Mother, 28, weeps as she is found guilty of killing her baby daughter with a hairdryer after night partying

A mother was found guilty of killing her young daughter with the heat of a hairdryer.

Courtney Gartshore, 28, cried as she was led to the cells at the High Court in Aberdeen after being found guilty of murdering three-month-old Dahlia-Rose in September 2023.

18 percent of the baby’s body was burned as a result of Gartshore, who was allegedly drinking alcohol before, turning the hair dryer on the baby.

As Gartshore was carried off the pitch crying, a spectator in the public gallery shouted: ‘It’s too late for this now.’

Her daughter had died in her mother’s bed at the family home in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

Dahlia-Rose’s injuries were so severe that the paramedic thought her body was decomposed, and experts said they had never encountered a similar case before.

Gartshore denied manslaughter and told family and friends that her daughter died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Jurors also heard a recording of the 999 call in which the mother said Dahlia-Rose turned ‘purple’ while she slept.

Three-month-old Dahlia-Rose had burns on 18 percent of her body surface

Burn expert Timothy Burge, the only witness called for Gartshore’s defense, told jurors that in his opinion the baby did not die from heat-related injuries.

‘He might be dead already,’ he said.

Baby’s DNA found in hair dryer; Prosecuting barrister Alan Cameron said only the mother and daughter were at the property and therefore only Gartshore could open the device.

After the verdict, the judge offered consultancy to the jury if he deemed it necessary.

‘We all agree that this is a very sad and disturbing case,’ he added.

A former friend of Gartshore said: ‘He’s an absolute jerk. ‘I don’t know how anyone could do this to a tiny, helpless baby.’

Jurors were told CCTV footage showed Gartshore arriving home at around 4am after drinking with friends.

The woman, who called 999 at around 9.40am and claimed that her baby had died when she woke up, did not mention the hairdryer.

Gartshore’s lawyer, Murray McAra, said he was suffering from mental health issues.

Photograph taken outside the hearing in Gartshore, Aberdeen. He will be sentenced in Edinburgh next month

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector James Callander said: ‘Children are defenseless and must be protected. The death of any child is especially sad, but the death of a child at the hands of a parent is incredibly disturbing.

‘Everyone involved in this investigation has been deeply affected by the circumstances surrounding Dahlia Rose’s death, but our duty is to uncover the truth and ensure that the person responsible is brought to justice.

‘I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who supported an incredibly difficult and sensitive investigation.

‘The unwavering commitment and professionalism shown by our officers and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure this complex investigation was conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care, dignity and respect.

‘I would also like to thank the local community for their patience, understanding and support throughout this investigation, particularly those informants whose co-operation has been invaluable in helping us uncover the truth and secure that conviction.’

Gartshore will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 14 August.