In a dramatic turn of events, the jury in the trial of Constance Marten and her partner convicted sex offender Mark Gordon has been discharged. The high-profile case centres around the tragic death of their newborn baby daughter, Victoria.
Background: Constance Marten, 37, hails from a wealthy family, while Mark Gordon, 50, faces charges related to the infant’s demise. The couple was accused of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child. Both vehemently deny any wrongdoing.
Deliberations and Majority Direction: Jurors deliberated for an extensive 60 hours, during which Judge Mark Lucraft KC provided a majority direction. He indicated that he would accept verdicts on which at least nine of the 10-strong jury agreed.
Unexpected Dismissal: However, on Wednesday, a surprising announcement came: the jury had been dismissed. The reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, leaving legal experts and the public speculating about the case’s future.
Nationwide Search: The trial gained widespread attention after a placenta was discovered in the burnt-out wreckage of Marten and Gordon’s car on a motorway in Bolton, Greater Manchester, back in January 2023. Authorities launched a nationwide search for the couple, intensifying the intrigue surrounding the case.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is now expected to consider whether it will seek a retrial on the charge of manslaughter.
