Constance Marten, 38, and her partner Mark Gordon, 51, have been sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison after being convicted of killing their newborn daughter, england/wales/victoria/”>victoria-england/”>Victoria. Each received a 14-year sentence at the Old Bailey.
Background of the Case
The couple went on the run with Victoria in an attempt to evade social services after their four other children were taken into care. Tragically, Victoria’s body was discovered on 1 March 2023, hidden inside a Lidl shopping bag in an allotment in Brighton.
Judge’s Remarks
During sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft stated, “Neither of you gave much or any thought to the care or welfare of your baby. Your focus was on yourselves.” He noted the lack of genuine remorse from the couple, highlighting their tendency to blame others for their actions.
Trial and Convictions
Both Marten and Gordon were convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence after a second trial, which followed a previous jury’s inability to reach a verdict. They were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, and child cruelty.
Appeal and Legal Costs
Marten is currently seeking permission to appeal her manslaughter conviction, having had an earlier appeal regarding child cruelty rejected in February. The trials faced numerous disruptions and delays, consuming over 33 weeks of court time, which could have cost around £10 million.
Couple’s Flight from Authorities
The manhunt for Marten and Gordon began after a placenta was discovered in their burnt-out car on a motorway in Bolton in January 2023. Marten claimed they fled to prevent their fifth child from being taken away, stating her other children were “stolen by the state.” The couple reportedly spent large sums from her family trust fund on taxi journeys across various locations.
Prosecutors indicated that Victoria was inadequately clothed and suggested she may have died from hypothermia or smothering while co-sleeping.
