Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are undergoing a high-profile trial at the Old Bailey, accused of manslaughter and other charges following the death of their newborn, Victoria, under harsh conditions.
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are currently undergoing trial at the Old Bailey, facing serious charges related to the death of their daughter, Victoria. The child, who was born in secret, tragically died under questionable circumstances shortly after her birth. The couple, who chose to live off-grid in a tent on the South Downs, are accused of gross negligence manslaughter. This situation arose after their other children had been taken into care, prompting Marten and Gordon to evade authorities.
During the proceedings, it was revealed through CCTV evidence presented by Tom Little KC, the lead prosecutor, that at one point, the baby was carried in a Lidl bag while still alive. The key accusation against them is that they exposed Victoria to the harsh winter conditions without adequate clothing, leading to her death from hypothermia, though they claim it was a tragic accident.
The prosecution has branded Marten a “serial liar,” challenging her credibility by drawing attention to inconsistencies in her testimony about the date of Victoria’s death. In contrast, her defence describes her as a dedicated and loving mother, akin to a “lioness” with fierce love for her children. Gordon’s barrister has painted a sympathetic picture of the couple, suggesting their flight and actions were driven by desperation and fear of losing their newborn, similar to their previous experiences with child services.
Family dynamics have also come into play, with disclosures that Marten’s relationship with Gordon led to disapproval from her family, resulting in them hiring private detectives to monitor the couple.
Both Marten and Gordon deny all allegations against them, which include manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty. The trial continues to unfold with emotional testimonies and heated debates, deeply engaging the public and legal communities alike. The outcome remains pending as the jury deliberates their verdict.
