Baby’s Body Found in Brighton Shed: Couple to Face January Trial
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon Charged Over Infant Death
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are set to stand trial in January 2024. They face manslaughter charges after the remains of a baby girl were discovered in a shed in Brighton. The tragic find came after a 53-day missing person investigation. The infant’s body was found wrapped in a plastic bag underneath nappies.
Old Bailey Hearing: No Pleas Entered
The couple appeared at the Old Bailey last Friday. They faced charges including concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice. Neither Marten nor Gordon entered a plea, speaking only to confirm their names and birthdates. Both were remanded in custody, refusing bail.
Judge Richard Marks set a plea and case management hearing for 18 August, to be held via video link. The full trial is provisionally scheduled to begin on 2 January 2024 and could last between four to six weeks.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
The death of the baby, named Victoria in court documents, remains a mystery. It’s believed she died sometime before her remains were found on 1 March. The Metropolitan Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the baby dying amid the missing persons inquiry.
Marten and Gordon, who have no fixed address, will stay behind bars until their trial next year.
