Constance Marten, facing trial alongside her partner Mark Gordon after the tragic death of their newborn daughter Victoria, has defended their decision to live in a tent with the baby, invoking references to historical and cultural practices.
During her testimony at the Old Bailey, Marten, 36, justified their nomadic lifestyle by stating, “Jesus survived in a barn.” She compared their situation to Bedouin families traversing cold deserts with their children, emphasizing that people around the world endure similar conditions and still provide adequate care and love to their offspring.
Responding to questions about the risks of exposing newborns to cold temperatures, Marten disagreed with medical advice, citing instances where babies spend extended periods outdoors and the absence of central heating in some countries.
The couple’s transient lifestyle, evading authorities due to concerns about Victoria being taken into care, led them to live in a tent temporarily, Marten explained. She emphasized that their priority was always Victoria’s well-being, despite the discomfort of outdoor living.
When questioned about Victoria’s tragic discovery in a Lidl bag inside an allotment shed, Marten denied any intention to abandon her daughter’s body, attributing their actions to panic and grief. She maintained that Victoria remained with them throughout and was never “dumped” anywhere.
The trial continues as Marten and Gordon, of no fixed address, face charges including manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty. The defendants deny all charges.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, the tragic circumstances surrounding Victoria’s death continue to evoke emotions and questions about parental responsibility.
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