A devastating and high-profile criminal case is unfolding as an Aberdeen mother faces a charge of culpable homicide in the death of her infant daughter.
Courtney Gartshore, 27, stands accused of causing the death of three-month-old Dahlia Rose in a deeply tragic incident that took place at a home in Peterhead in September 2023.
The prosecution alleges that the infant passed away as a direct result of being subjected to “sustained heat” from a hairdryer.
This grim charge has cast a spotlight on the circumstances surrounding the baby’s final hours, with further accusations pointing to willful neglect and substance use.
The case, which is being heard at the High Court in Glasgow, has brought forward a number of serious and disturbing allegations.
Alongside the main charge of culpable homicide, prosecutors claim Gartshore was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the tragedy.
She also faces a separate charge of drinking to excess and co-sleeping with the infant while intoxicated, a practice known to be extremely dangerous.
Disturbing Allegations and Neglect Charges
Beyond the immediate cause of death, the legal documents outline a wider pattern of alleged neglect.
Gartshore, also known as Courtney McCready, is accused of willfully neglecting Dahlia Rose and another child on the day leading up to the infant’s passing.
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The charges paint a troubling picture of the living conditions at the property, alleging that the children were kept in “unsanitary conditions.”
Court papers claim the home was cluttered with dirty nappies, spoiled food, and alcoholic beverages.
In addition to these serious child neglect charges, the case includes a claim that Gartshore was in possession of both cocaine and the Class B stimulant mephedrone.
These drug-related charges add another layer of complexity to the already severe accusations.
The shocking circumstances of this case have drawn significant public attention, with the charges outlining how Dahlia Rose’s injuries were so severe that they led directly to her passing.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the details surrounding the mother’s alleged actions—including the wilful neglect of her children and the possession of illegal substances—will be scrutinized.
Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead
During the initial short hearing at the High Court, Courtney Gartshore was excused from attending. Her legal representative, Murray Macara KC, entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.
This sets the stage for a full trial, where the details of the case will be heard and a jury will ultimately determine her guilt or innocence.
The case continues to be followed closely by the public, as it shines a light on the devastating consequences that can arise from child neglect and dangerous behavior.