Courtney Gartshore has denied culpable homicide and other charges at the High Court in Aberdeen, the BBC reports, after prosecutors alleged a hairdryer was used in the death of her baby daughter.
“She denied culpable homicide and other offences at an initial hearing in Aberdeen,” according to BBC News.
Courtney Gartshore denies charges
According to BBC reporting, Gartshore entered a plea of not guilty to culpable homicide and other charges at an appearance at the High Court in Aberdeen on 7 July 2026. The denial was recorded during an initial hearing, the BBC says.
The allegation that a hairdryer was used in connection with the child’s death is reported by the BBC as part of the prosecution case. These are allegations at this stage and have not been tested in court, the BBC notes.
What the prosecution says
The BBC report summarises the prosecution’s allegation that a hairdryer was involved in the death of the baby daughter. It states that prosecutors have set out those allegations in the charge information provided to the court.
As the BBC explains, the prosecution will be responsible for preparing and presenting evidence should the case proceed to trial. That process typically includes witness statements, forensic or medical reports and disclosure of material to the defence, all of which the BBC says will form part of pretrial preparation.
Court proceedings in Aberdeen
The proceedings are being managed at the High Court in Aberdeen. The hearing reported by the BBC on 7 July 2026 was procedural, focused on the plea and next steps in case management rather than on detailed evidence examination.
The BBC reports that no trial date has been fixed at this stage and that the matter remains ongoing. The court will oversee disclosure, any applications on procedure or evidence, and scheduling of further hearings as required by criminal procedure.
Why this matters
The BBC coverage emphasises the seriousness of the allegations. Culpable homicide is a grave charge that carries significant legal consequences if proved. Reporting on such cases involves balancing public interest with the legal principle that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty, as noted in the BBC report.
Beyond the individual case, the handling of evidence, disclosure and pretrial process are important for ensuring a fair legal process. The BBC article highlights that courts manage these matters carefully in cases involving serious allegations.
What comes next
The BBC report indicates the next steps will focus on pretrial case management. That generally includes disclosure of evidence by the Crown, defence review of materials, and hearings to resolve procedural applications or agree timetables.
As reported by the BBC, a further hearing to set case timetables and address pretrial matters is expected, though no specific trial date has been announced. Any confirmed dates will be a matter for the court and public reporting, the BBC notes.
Readers should expect incremental updates as the Crown and defence complete disclosure and as the court lists further procedural hearings, according to BBC coverage.
Background
This article is based on reporting by BBC News. The BBC first set out the allegation, the recorded plea and the immediate procedural steps taken at the High Court in Aberdeen. Publicly available details remain limited to the charge description and the plea entered, per the BBC.
Frequently asked questions
What has Courtney Gartshore been charged with?
According to BBC News, she has been charged with culpable homicide and other related offences. The prosecution alleges a hairdryer was used in the death of her baby daughter. These remain allegations until proven in court.
Where was the denial entered and when?
The plea of not guilty was entered at the High Court in Aberdeen during a hearing on 7 July 2026, as reported by the BBC.
What are the next steps in the case?
Per BBC reporting, the case will move into pretrial stages: disclosure by the Crown, case management hearings to resolve procedural matters, and scheduling of further hearings. No trial date has been publicly confirmed.
Source attribution
This article draws on reporting by BBC News – Top Stories. For the original BBC report, see: BBC News – Top Stories.
