Aristocrat’s Partner Skips Court Over “Extreme” Pain in Shocking Manslaughter Case
Mark Gordon, the partner of aristocrat Constance Marten, shocked court by refusing to appear today. The 49-year-old was due to face charges for failing to notify the Sex Offenders’ Register. He claimed “extreme back and neck pain” kept him from attending.
Newborn Baby Found Dead in Allotment Shed
The grim case centres on Gordon and Marten after their newborn was found lifeless in a Brighton allotment shed last March. The couple vanished in February, sparking a nationwide manhunt. Marten, 37, had distanced herself from her Dorset family since meeting Gordon in 2016 while studying drama.
Serious Charges Mount Against Couple
- Manslaughter by gross negligence
- Concealing birth and baby’s body
- Child cruelty
- Allowing child’s death
Both plead not guilty. Gordon had previously asked for a trial delay to secure a lawyer but now insists his pain is preventing him from attending court.
Judge Skeptical as Police Turned Away
District Judge Vanessa Lloyd expressed doubts over Gordon’s claims, suggesting he might be using pain as a “stalling tactic.” Gordon also refused to appear last week, and Judge Lloyd warned prison officers at HMP Belmarsh might need to use “reasonable force” to bring him in.
Meanwhile, Met Police officer PC Rhianne Trill revealed officers with a warrant were denied access to Gordon. The trial, alongside Marten, is set for January 22 at the Old Bailey. Police want Gordon charged before then to speed up justice.
The next hearing is now adjourned to January 1.
