Couple Jailed After Baby’s Tragic Death Sparked Nationwide Hunt
A nomad couple living in freezing tents with their newborn have been locked up for the baby’s death after a frantic UK-wide police chase.
On The Run After Losing Four Kids
Mark Gordon, 51, and Constance Marten, 38, both with no fixed address, were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter at London’s Old Bailey on 14 July. The pair had vanished to dodge authorities after their previous four children were taken into care.
They lived rough in freezing conditions with their newborn daughter, Victoria, before a 53-day manhunt finally ended with their arrest on 27 February 2023. Police later found baby Victoria’s body inside a carrier bag at an allotment where the couple had been staying.
Sentence: 32 Years Behind Bars
On 15 September, Gordon was handed 18 years and Marten 14 years in prison. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke slammed their “selfish actions” that robbed baby Victoria of her life. She said: “This innocent newborn should have had her whole life ahead of her. Justice has now been served.”
How The Tragedy Unfolded
- Concerns first arose when their car broke down and caught fire on the M61 in Greater Manchester on 5 January 2023.
- Firefighters found abandoned nappies, clothing, and a placenta inside, suggesting Marten had recently given birth.
- The couple vanished and were tracked hopping around Britain, even paying a taxi £350 from Liverpool to Harwich – apparently trying to flee the country by boat.
- They were spotted in Newhaven, East Sussex, before settling in a tent at Stanmer Park near Brighton.
- After weeks in hiding, they were finally arrested on 27 February.
Baby Victoria’s Death Could Not Be Explained
Victoria’s body wasn’t discovered until 1 March 2023. Pathologists could not pinpoint the cause of death. Marten claimed the baby died during their sleep.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford condemned the couple: “Victoria’s death was completely avoidable. They had every chance to ask for help but chose not to.” He thanked the public and media for their vital role in bringing the tragic case to a close.
