We are all filled with revulsion and utter shock over the “hairdryer” killing of north-east baby girl Dahlia-Rose.

Another defenceless child perishing at the hands of a cruel, dysfunctional parent.

The heartbreaking story unfolded in all its grisly detail at the High Court in Aberdeen.

No criminal details were hidden from public view, but social services’ involvement has been muddied by angry recriminations afterwards.

In these extreme cases, the public has a right to know – and keep an eye on those who make big decisions over child protection on our behalf.

The complexity of this case was immense.

The baby suffered horrific burns across 18 per cent of her small, tender body while in the “care” of her wretched, drunken mother Courtney Gartshore.

She was three months old; it’s been said that Gartshore, 28, never got over missing out on “partying”.

A photograph of her whooping it up in Turkey before the court hearing, and making an offensive gesture to boot, hardly helped her cause.

Gartshore was found guilty of culpable homicide and jailed for six years – about average for this charge.

But not a “whole” sentence: Gartshore could serve only half that as she is entitled to be assessed for parole under licence, as part of Scottish Government regulations.

As........

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