Aristocrat Couple Accused of Newborn’s Death, Trash Holiday Cottage on the Run
Aristocrat Constance Marten, 36, and her partner Mark Gordon, 49, stand accused of causing the death of their newborn baby, Victoria. A court heard the couple allegedly trashed a holiday cottage while on the run, living “off the grid” in a tent during winter to dodge social services and avoid handing over the child.
Baby’s Placenta Found in Burnt-Out Car Sparks Police Hunt
The tragic case took a grim twist when Victoria’s placenta was found in a burnt-out car on a Manchester motorway. This discovery prompted a major police manhunt as Marten and Gordon crisscrossed the UK, evading capture.
The court was told the couple survived nearly two months “warm, dry, and well-nourished” before the baby’s sudden death.
History of Deception and Child Care Battles
Marten and Gordon met in 2016 and had four children in quick succession. All their children were taken into care after Marten posed as a traveller using a fake Irish accent during the birth of their first.
The pair deny charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, concealing a birth, cruelty to a child under 16, and perverting the course of justice by disposing of the baby’s body.
Holiday Cottage Left a Mess After Christmas Stay
The owner of a Northumbrian holiday cottage testified that Marten and Gordon left the property in a shocking state over Christmas 2022. Wine stains were found on quilts, urine covered the bathroom floor, and cat litter was scattered on living room chairs.
Prosecutors say the couple deliberately hid Victoria’s birth, never registering her and avoided any antenatal or postnatal medical checks. They also allege Victoria’s body was discarded in a remote spot unlikely to be found.
Defence Claims No Intent to Obstruct Justice
The defence insists there was no plan to pervert justice and Marten wanted a post-mortem to find out why Victoria died. Expert pathologists conclude the cause of death is still unconfirmed, with no signs of violence or external injury.
The court will weigh up the evidence and expert testimony before delivering a verdict in this harrowing case.
