A woman has appeared at the High Court in Aberdeen, denying charges including culpable homicide following the death of her baby daughter, who prosecutors allege died from severe heat injuries caused by a hairdryer. Courtney Gartshore, 27, is accused of culpably and recklessly subjecting three-month-old Dahlia-Rose Gartshore to heat from the appliance while the infant was in her care in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, on 30 September 2023.
Prosecutors claim Dahlia-Rose's injuries were so severe they led to her death. Beyond the primary charge of culpable homicide, Ms Gartshore faces additional accusations, including wilful neglect of her daughter on both 29 and 30 September 2023. These neglect charges encompass allegations of consuming excessive alcohol, co-sleeping with the baby while intoxicated, and possessing controlled drugs.
Further claims detail an unsanitary living environment at the property, with soiled nappies and spoiled food and drink reportedly found scattered around. Ms Gartshore is also charged with possessing Class B drugs mephedrone and cocaine. The court heard that she is alleged to have consumed alcohol and taken mephedrone while she was in sole charge of Dahlia-Rose.
The trial, which began recently at the High Court in Aberdeen, is anticipated to last for approximately ten days. Ms Gartshore, whose address was given as Aberdeen, maintains her innocence against all charges. The proceedings will examine the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence's response to these serious allegations.
This case sheds light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a young child and the legal process that follows such grave accusations. The court will hear detailed testimony and evidence as it seeks to determine the facts of the matter and whether the accused is responsible for the alleged crimes.