Couple to face trial over baby’s remains found in Brighton shed
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon charged
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are set for trial in January 2024, accused of manslaughter after a baby girl’s body was discovered in a shed in Brighton. The infant, later named Victoria, was found in a plastic bag hidden under nappies following a lengthy 53-day missing persons hunt.
Old Bailey hearing: Charges laid but no pleas entered
The couple appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday charged with concealing a child’s birth and perverting the course of justice. Neither entered a plea and both were remanded in custody. They only confirmed their names and dates of birth during the short hearing.
Judge Richard Marks scheduled a plea and case management hearing for 18 August, to be held via video link. The trial is provisionally set to start on 2 January 2024 and may last up to six weeks.
Investigation updates and police probe
The Metropolitan Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the baby’s death occurring amid the missing persons investigation. Court papers revealed the baby’s name, Victoria, but did not clarify how she died. It’s believed the death happened some time before the remains were found on 1 March.
No bail for couple with no fixed address
Neither Marten nor Gordon applied for bail. Both will remain in custody until their January trial, as neither has a fixed address.
