Aristocrat Disappeared with Baby — Then Child Froze to Death and Was Left in Shopping Bag

Aristocrat and Partner Sentenced to 14 Years for Negligence Manslaughter

Constance Marten, aged 38, and Mark Gordon, aged 51, were given a 14-year jail term on Monday, September 15, after being found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the tragic passing of their newborn daughter. The couple’s baby, Victoria, was discovered deceased and frozen in a shopping bag in Brighton, England, in 2023. Prior to this incident, four of their children had been taken into care by social services.

The sentencing judge, Mark Lucraft KC, expressed his dismay at the couple’s lack of care and responsibility towards their child, stating that their actions amounted to neglect of the gravest kind. Despite the serious nature of the charges, neither Marten nor Gordon showed any genuine remorse throughout the trial. In addition to the manslaughter charges, the pair were also convicted of child cruelty, concealing a birth, and obstructing justice in an earlier court case.

Following the removal of their four children by social services, Marten and Gordon went off the grid, sparking a nationwide manhunt when their vehicle was discovered ablaze in January 2023. The couple evaded authorities by travelling across southern England and eventually resorted to living in a tent on the South Downs. It was here that baby Victoria tragically succumbed to hypothermia, leading to her untimely demise.

The remains of the infant were eventually found in a disused shed in Brighton, concealed within a shopping bag. Marten and Gordon alleged that Victoria’s death was accidental, claiming that Marten had inadvertently fallen asleep on top of her. Despite their explanations, the judge was not swayed, and the couple were handed lengthy prison sentences for their severe negligence.

During the sentencing, Marten’s attorney stated that his client was tormented by the knowledge that her actions had led to her baby’s death and that this burden would haunt her for the rest of her life. Similarly, Gordon’s lawyer acknowledged the trauma caused by the removal of their children from their care, emphasising his remorse and acceptance of the poor decisions made.

In light of Gordon’s past criminal history, including a 20-year sentence in the US for a violent offence committed in his youth, the judge deemed him more likely to reoffend and extended his incarceration by an additional four years on license. This decision was made to ensure public safety and prevent any potential future harm caused by Gordon.

The harrowing story of Marten and Gordon serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and irresponsibility. The tragic loss of baby Victoria highlights the importance of proper care and vigilance when it comes to the wellbeing of children. May this case prompt a renewed commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.