Mother, 28, who burned her baby to death with a hairdryer after night of partying is jailed for just six years after judge ruled she 'didn't intend to harm or kill her'

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By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 05:00 EDT, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 05:13 EDT, 14 August 2026

A mother who killed her baby daughter with heat from a hairdryer after a night out partying has been jailed for just six years. 

Courtney Gartshore, 28, killed three-month-old Dahlia-Rose at an address in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, in September 2023.

The baby suffered burns to 18 per cent of her body's surface after Gartshore, who was accused of drinking beforehand, turned the hairdryer on her.

Dahlia-Rose's injuries were so severe a paramedic thought her body was decomposing and experts said they had never encountered a similar case.

Gartshore had denied culpable homicide and told family and friends her daughter had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Jurors also heard a recording of a 999 call the mother made in which she said Dahlia-Rose had gone 'purple' while sleeping.

The only witness called in Gartshore's defence, burns expert Timothy Burge, told jurors the baby was not killed by heat injuries in his view.

'It could have been that she was already dead,' he said.

Courtney Gartshore, 28, was convicted of killing three-month-old Dahlia-Rose in September 2023

Three-month-old Dahlia-Rose had burns across 18 per cent of her body's surface

Gartshore was convicted of the culpable homicide of her daughter following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen in July.

The 28-year-old was jailed for six years when she was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

Following her conviction, Detective Inspector James Callander said: 'Children are defenceless and should be protected. 

'The death of any child is particularly harrowing, but a child's death at the hands of a parent is incredibly disturbing.

'Everyone involved in this investigation was deeply affected by the circumstances of Dahlia-Rose's death, but our job is to uncover the truth and ensure that the person responsible is brought to justice.

'I would like to express sincere thanks to everyone who supported what was an incredibly difficult and sensitive inquiry.

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

'I also want to acknowledge the local community, for their patience, understanding and support throughout this investigation, particularly those who came forward with information, whose cooperation has been invaluable in helping us establish the truth and secure this conviction.'