A woman has been sentenced to six years in prison after a jury at the High Court found her guilty of the culpable homicide of her three‑month‑old daughter, who died in an address on King Street, Peterhead, on 30 September 2023.
Judge: a "uniquely disturbing" case
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Simon Collins KC said the circumstances were "uniquely disturbing", emphasising both the tragic nature of the infant's death and the breach of parental duty involved. The judge accepted that the defendant had not intended to kill the child but said she was culpable through a very high degree of carelessness and that it "should have been obvious" the baby was suffering "severe distress and pain".
The court heard that Dahlia‑Rose Gartshore, aged three months, suffered fatal injuries after being subjected to "significant and sustained heat" from a hairdryer. The likely cause of death was given as hyperthermia and heat stroke. Emergency services were called to the King Street property but the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.
Background and prosecution findings
The defendant, Courtney Gartshore, 28, from Aberdeen, was in sole charge of the baby on the day she died. The trial at the High Court in Aberdeen in July concluded with a jury finding her guilty of culpable homicide. She had been arrested in November 2023 after an investigation into the child’s death.
Police described the case as distressing. Following the conviction Detective Inspector James Callander said the circumstances of a child’s death at the hands of a parent were "incredibly disturbing", and paid tribute to officers and partner agencies who conducted a sensitive inquiry.
Defence account and custodial conditions
In mitigation, Mr Murray Macara, defending, acknowledged he could not provide a reasonable or compelling explanation for why the hairdryer was used. He suggested — without asserting it as fact — that the baby may have been cold and that the defendant may have recklessly used the appliance as a source of heat.
Mr Macara also told the court that since her detention the defendant had spent approximately 23 hours a day in her cell. The judge noted the profound consequences for the defendant, saying she would have to live with the knowledge that she was responsible for the child's death.
Local impact and timeline
The case has reverberated locally, given the gravity of a child's death within the Peterhead community and the involvement of local emergency responders. It draws attention to questions about safeguarding, alcohol use in the presence of infants and the responsibilities borne by those looking after vulnerable children.
- 30 September 2023 — Dahlia‑Rose died at an address on King Street, Peterhead.
- November 2023 — Courtney Gartshore was arrested and charged.
- July 2026 — Gartshore was convicted of culpable homicide at the High Court in Aberdeen.
- 14 August 2026 — Sentenced to six years' imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Courtney Gartshore, 28 (from Aberdeen) |
| Victim | Dahlia‑Rose Gartshore, three months |
| Location | King Street, Peterhead |
| Cause of death | Likely hyperthermia / heat stroke from sustained heat |
| Sentence | Six years' imprisonment |
"This was a gross breach of the most basic duty as a parent," said Judge Collins, adding that the defendant would "have to live the rest of your life with the knowledge that you were responsible for her death."
Authorities and local services involved in the inquiry said the investigation was conducted with care and respect, and expressed gratitude to members of the community who assisted. The case remains a sombre reminder of the vulnerabilities of young children and the responsibilities of those entrusted with their care.
Further statements from police and relevant agencies may follow as families and the community come to terms with the outcome.
