Scottish Mother Convicted of Killing 3-Month-Old Daughter with Hair Dryer Burns

A 28-year-old woman in Scotland has been convicted of murdering her three-month-old daughter by inflicting severe burns using a hair dryer. The incident occurred in September 2023 at the family home in Peterhead, Scotland. The court found that the mother, Courtney Gartshore, caused extensive burns covering about 18 percent of the infant's body, which led to the baby's death. Paramedics who arrived at the scene initially suspected the baby's body was decomposing due to the severity of the injuries.

During the trial, forensic evidence including DNA samples found on the hair dryer linked Gartshore to the device, and since she and the baby were alone at home, the prosecution argued she was the only person who could have caused the injuries. Gartshore initially claimed the baby died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but this was disproven by the investigation. The defense's sole expert witness, burn specialist Timothy Berg, suggested the baby might have already been deceased before the burns were inflicted.

The case drew significant public attention in Scotland, with Detective Inspector James Klander describing the death as "heartbreaking" and emphasizing the vulnerability of children and their right to protection. Gartshore is scheduled to be sentenced next month. The investigation was supported by the local community and involved a thorough police inquiry that ultimately led to her conviction.