Constance Marten, from an aristocratic family, and her partner Mark Gordon, were found guilty of concealing the birth of their baby daughter and perverting the course of justice regarding her death. However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on the charge of manslaughter by gross negligence, leading to a scheduled retrial.
Contents
The Charges and Guilty Verdict
Guilty of Concealing Birth and Obstructing Justice
- Constance Marten, 37, and Mark Gordon, 50, were found guilty of two major charges:
- Concealing the birth of their daughter, Victoria.
- Perverting the course of justice concerning her death.
Manslaughter Charge Still Pending
- The jury was unable to reach a decision on whether the couple was guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence.
- A retrial has been scheduled for March next year, expected to last six to eight weeks.
The Tragic Events Leading to Baby Victoria’s Death
On the Run with a Newborn
- Marten and Gordon disappeared with their newborn daughter in January last year, choosing to evade authorities and live off the grid.
- The couple spent 54 days on the run, living in freezing conditions across multiple locations in the UK.
Discovery of Burnt-Out Car
- The manhunt began when police found their burnt-out car on the M62 near Bolton.
- Authorities discovered a placenta in the vehicle, confirming that Marten had secretly given birth.
Hiding in a Tent on the South Downs
- The couple moved from place to place, eventually hiding in a tent in the South Downs.
- Despite extensive police efforts to track them down, Marten and Gordon refused to disclose the whereabouts of their baby.
Arrest and Heartbreaking Discovery
Arrest in Brighton
- After nearly two months, Marten and Gordon were arrested on February 27 in Brighton, East Sussex, under suspicion of child neglect.
- Victoria was not with them, raising concerns for her safety.
Discovery of Baby Victoria’s Body
- Following a massive search operation, baby Victoria’s body was discovered two days later on March 1, hidden in a disused shed near where the couple had been sleeping.
Trial Delays and Outcome
First Trial Extended
- The initial trial began in January but was extended due to delays, lasting over three months.
- In June, the jury found Marten and Gordon guilty of concealing the birth and perverting justice, though the verdicts were only recently permitted for public release.
Jury Deadlock on Manslaughter Charge
- Despite over 70 hours of deliberation, the jury could not reach a consensus on the manslaughter charge.
- The trial judge, Mark Lucraft KC, discharged the jury last week after the deadlock.
Next Steps: Retrial on Manslaughter Charge
Prosecution Confirms Retrial
- The Crown Prosecution Service was given time to decide whether to pursue the manslaughter charge.
- Prosecutor Tom Little KC confirmed during a hearing at the Old Bailey that there will be a retrial.
Retrial Scheduled for March
- The retrial will take place in March 2025 and is expected to last between six to eight weeks.
The Emotional Impact of the Case
Public and Media Interest
- The case has drawn widespread attention due to Marten’s aristocratic background, the tragic death of baby Victoria, and the harrowing details of the couple’s time on the run.
- Body camera footage showing Marten’s arrest has further heightened public interest, providing a stark reminder of the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Unanswered Questions
- The retrial will likely focus on determining whether Marten and Gordon’s actions directly led to the death of their baby by gross negligence.
- The couple’s refusal to reveal the location of their daughter until it was too late remains a central and tragic aspect of the case.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon has taken a significant turn, with both being found guilty of concealing the birth and obstructing justice, but the key charge of manslaughter by gross negligence remains unresolved. As the couple prepares for a retrial next year, the full extent of their responsibility for the death of baby Victoria may finally come to light
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