Aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon “caused the death of their newborn baby” after going on the run with the infant carried in a “bag for life”, a court has heard.
The couple allegedly fled from social services after their four other children had been taken into care, choosing to give birth in secret and live off-grid in dangerous winter conditions—a decision prosecutors claim led to the “entirely avoidable” death of their daughter.
During proceedings at the Old Bailey, Prosecutor Tom Little KC told jurors the baby died after being hidden in a shopping bag covered in rubbish, and exposed to freezing weather while the pair camped out in the South Downs National Park in early 2023.
“Rather than act in the obvious best interest of a vulnerable baby… they decided they knew best,” said Mr Little. “They deprived their baby of warmth, shelter, food and, ultimately, safety.”
A ‘Reckless’ Bid to Evade Authorities
The court heard that Marten, 37, and Gordon, 50, chose to evade authorities after Marten became pregnant in December 2022, refusing medical support and opting to deliver the child in secret. They allegedly spent large amounts of money on taxis, travelling cross-country while buying minimal provisions for the baby, including just one Babygro and no hat.
Despite access to funds from Marten’s aristocratic family trust, the couple reportedly chose to camp in poor conditions, scavenging for food and sleeping in a flimsy tent with inadequate clothing for their newborn.
Baby Carried in Lidl Bag
One of the most harrowing details presented in court was that the baby was frequently carried in a Lidl ‘bag for life’, which prosecutors say became a makeshift cradle for much of the child’s short life.
“It would have been plain to the defendants… that this was an utterly inappropriate way to care for any child,” Mr Little told the jury.
Despite having access to bank cards, the couple reportedly refused help, preferring to avoid authorities rather than seek shelter or medical assistance for their daughter.
Body Found in Disused Shed
After nearly two months on the run, the pair were arrested on February 27, 2023, after Marten allegedly tried to shoplift. Police later discovered the baby’s body on March 1, wrapped in a plastic bag and dumped under rubbish in a disused shed, along with the blue tent the couple had used during their flight.
“The lack of clothing and basic care for the baby tells you everything you need to know about the neglect she suffered,” Mr Little added.
Previous Convictions and Manslaughter Charges
The couple have already been convicted of concealment of the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice, jurors were told. They now face a retrial for manslaughter by gross negligence, as well as charges of causing or allowing the death of a child, which they both deny.
Marten appeared in court wearing a black jacket, white shirt, blue scarf, and red lipstick. Gordon did not attend but may join proceedings via video link.
Shocking Details Emerge in Case That Gripped Nation
The case, which has captivated national headlines, continues to raise serious questions about safeguarding failures and the extreme measures taken by parents to avoid social service intervention.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues.
