Dramatic body-worn camera footage capturing the moment aristocrat Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who were fugitives on the run, refused to disclose the location of their daughter has been presented in court. The couple stands accused of killing their newborn baby, Victoria, and their recent arrest has shed light on the harrowing case.
The footage shows police officers repeatedly asking Constance Marten, “Where is your child?” as she stares back at them with a blank expression. Marten, 36, and Gordon, 49, are facing allegations of causing their daughter’s death after absconding with her in January of the previous year to evade social services intervention.
After weeks of eluding authorities, the couple was finally tracked down in the Hollingbury area of Brighton on February 27, thanks to a vigilant member of the public who recognised them. However, they declined to divulge any information regarding the whereabouts of their baby.
Tragically, Victoria’s lifeless body was later discovered in a Lidl supermarket bag, hidden amidst rubbish in a disused shed.
The arrest took place at 9.35 pm on February 27 last year, and Police Sergeant Robert Button was among the officers involved. He testified that Marten appeared to be wearing “furniture stuffing” for insulation and emitted an “unclean and unwashed” odour. Both Marten and Gordon had a distinctive smell that the officer associated with homeless individuals.
Mark Gordon was approached by an officer who asked him to stop, citing potential national news coverage. Gordon initially denied any involvement but was subsequently questioned about his hasty retreat and instructed to put down a stick he was carrying. As Gordon resisted, he was informed that he was under arrest until his identity could be verified.
During the arrest, Constance Marten intervened, pleading with the officers not to mistreat Gordon, claiming he was unwell. She appeared distraught and implored the officers to let Gordon eat. In the midst of this, officers repeatedly asked Marten, “Where is your child?” but received no response.
A dog handler then threatened to send a search dog into the woods unless Marten disclosed the child’s location. As discussions of conducting an “open search” ensued, Marten was arrested for concealing the birth of a child.
Further details emerged as the trial continued, shedding light on the couple’s activities leading up to their arrest. On February 20, 2023, Marten and Gordon were caught on camera attempting to break into Hollingbury Golf Course near Brighton, where they rummaged through a wheelie bin, scavenging for food.
Footage from February 27, 2023, revealed Marten’s apparent attempt to shoplift in a post office on Hollingbury Place. Marten was seen entering the post office and attempting to conceal a tin of food in her coat pocket, which ultimately fell to the floor. She then made three cash withdrawals from an ATM before handing the money to Gordon. The couple later bought food in cash at a convenience store.
The couple’s trial is expected to last six weeks. They face charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, concealment of the birth of a child, cruelty to a person under 16, and perverting the course of justice by disposing of the body. Additionally, they deny causing or allowing the death of a child.
Constance Marten, hailing from a wealthy aristocratic family, has faced significant scrutiny due to her family’s background. Her father once served as a page to Queen Elizabeth II, and the family resided at the esteemed Crichel House estate in Dorset during her youth.
As the trial unfolds, the courtroom and the public await further revelations and developments in this tragic case.
