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Baby death trial told infant's DNA was found on hairdryer

Louise HosieBBC Scotland, at the High Court in Aberdeen
BBC A person wearing a parka walks outside a court building covering her face in a black materialBBC
Courtney Gartshore covers her face outside the High Court in Aberdeen

The trial of a woman accused of killing her baby by exposing her to heat from a hairdryer has heard the infant's DNA was found on the appliance.

A forensic biologist told the High Court in Aberdeen that samples taken from the hairdryer nozzle matched the DNA of three-month old Dahlia-Rose Gartshore.

Courtney Gartshore, 28, denies culpable homicide while the baby was in her care on 30 September 2023 and a series of other charges.

The court also heard that fragments taken from a partially-stained bedsheet at her flat in Peterhead were identified as belonging to the baby.

Giving evidence on the fourth day of the trial, forensic biologist Esther Combe said a "white crusty material" found on the hairdryer's nozzle had been tested and matched with Dahlia-Rose.

Combe said one fragment tested positive for the presence of possible traces of blood.

"What is the significance of that to you?" asked advocate depute Alan Cameron KC.

"It may have indicated that fragment has come from the site of injury," Combe replied.

The court also heard details of tests carried out on the hairdryer which was removed from Courtney Gartshore's bedroom.

Forensic scientist Alison Marven said temperatures of 90C had been recorded when the appliance was on a high setting and 80C on a medium setting.

'Soiled nappies and spoiled food'

Gartshore is accused of "culpably and recklessly" causing Dahlia-Rose to be subjected to heat from the appliance while the child was in her care in Peterhead.

Prosecutors allege that Dahlia-Rose's injuries were so severe that she died as a result.

It is also claimed Gartshore consumed alcohol and took the Class-B drug mephedrone while in sole charge of the infant.

She faces a separate charge of wilfully neglecting Dahlia-Rose, including claims she drank alcohol to excess, and co-slept with the baby while intoxicated.

It is further claimed her property was unsanitary, with soiled nappies and spoiled food and drink littered around.

The trial before Judge Simon Collins continues.