A shocking crime has shaken Scotland, as a mother has been found guilty of causing the death of her three-month-old daughter through heat from a hairdryer. Specifically, Courtney Gartshore was convicted of murdering Dahlia-Rose, who died in September 2023 in Peterhead after being exposed to intense heat from a hairdryer. The 28-year-old woman had denied the charge, but the Aberdeen High Court ruled that her conduct was “culpable and reckless,” as it caused severe injuries to the infant.
Hairdryer heat killed the infant in Scotland
According to the indictment, the heat from the hairdryer caused particularly severe injuries that led to the baby’s death. Gartshore had also consumed alcohol beforehand. As noted during the trial, Dahlia-Rose had suffered burns to 18% of her body surface area. It was also reported that the infant’s DNA was found on the hairdryer.
Additionally, a recording of the emergency call made by Gartshore was played in court, in which she stated that her child had “gone purple” while she was sleeping. The prosecutor noted that the mother and daughter were the only people in the house and that, therefore, only the 28-year-old could have activated the device.
Mother guilty of killing baby daughter in Aberdeenshire with heat from hairdryer https://t.co/cjMiIgfQLe
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 16, 2026
“Children must be protected”
Detective Inspector James Callander said that the death of a child is “particularly painful,” but described it as even more devastating that it occurred “at the hands of a parent.” “Children are defenseless and must be protected,” he said.
He added that all those involved in the investigation were deeply affected. “I would like to thank everyone who supported this incredibly difficult and sensitive investigation, as well as the local community for their patience and cooperation,” the inspector stated. Courtney Gartshore is due to return to court on August 14 to learn her sentence.
