Constance Marten, the 36-year-old aristocrat accused of causing the death of her newborn daughter Victoria, was warned twice about the risks of falling asleep with a baby prior to the tragic incident, the court has heard.
According to testimonies presented in court, Marten and her boyfriend Mark Gordon were advised against keeping the baby in a tent, particularly during freezing temperatures, which the court deemed “wholly inappropriate.” Marten reportedly confessed to falling asleep with Victoria in her arms under her jacket and later discovering the baby had passed away. She allegedly stated to the police, “I believe I fell asleep on top of her.
The couple’s alternative lifestyle, which included living in a tent after the birth of their first child, drew attention from social workers who deemed it unfit to raise a newborn. Despite the warnings, Marten and Gordon continued their unconventional living arrangements.
The trial further revealed disturbing details surrounding Victoria’s death, including the grim discovery of her body in a Lidl bag inside an allotment shed in Brighton. Prosecutors argue that Victoria spent most of her life confined to the bag.
Witness testimonies shed light on the dire conditions in which Marten and Gordon lived, with a social worker describing their tent as unsuitable for the bitterly cold weather. Concerns were raised about Marten’s capability to provide a safe environment for the baby, given their transient lifestyle.
Marten’s interactions with social workers underscored her defiance towards conventional norms, asserting her right to live as she pleased despite professional advice to the contrary. However, professionals repeatedly emphasized the dangers of co-sleeping, citing risks of suffocation and overheating, especially for newborns.
The trial continues to unravel the complexities surrounding Victoria’s death, shedding light on Marten and Gordon’s tumultuous journey, which involved evictions, homelessness, and attempts to elude authorities.
Both Marten and Gordon face charges including manslaughter by gross negligence, concealment of birth, cruelty to a person under 16, and perverting the course of justice. They maintain their innocence, denying all charges against them.
The courtroom drama surrounding this tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the dire consequences of neglecting professional advice.
