Parents Convicted in Baby’s Death After Months on the Run
Newborn Victoria Found Dead in Shed Following Extensive UK Search
A couple who subjected their infant daughter to a freezing winter on the run across the United Kingdom has been found guilty of her manslaughter. Constance Marten and Mark Gordon failed to provide basic care for their newborn, Victoria, ultimately leading to her death.
A Couple’s Troubled Path
Constance Marten, 38, hailing from an affluent, aristocratic background, met Mark Gordon, 51, in 2014. Gordon has a significant criminal history, including convictions for violent sexual offenses committed as a teenager in Florida.
The pair’s relationship was marked by domestic violence. Court documents revealed an incident in 2019 where Gordon allegedly caused Marten to fall from a window, resulting in severe injuries, with no medical attention sought for her or their unborn child.
Authorities had previously intervened, with a family judge in 2022 noting the couple placed their relationship “before all other considerations,” including their children’s health. As a result, their four older children were placed in care.
The Unfolding Tragedy
The nationwide search for Marten and Gordon began in January 2023 after police discovered a placenta in a burned-out car, containing remnants of diapers and blankets. Investigators believed Marten had recently given birth and neither she nor the baby had received medical assessment.
During their 53-day flight, the couple traversed the UK, often sleeping in tents during frigid conditions, attempting to evade authorities. They feared their new baby would be taken, similar to their previous children.
CCTV footage later emerged showing a baby concealed under Marten‘s coat in a hotel. The couple was also observed purchasing a stroller, which was later discarded. Baby Victoria’s body was eventually found in a decomposing state inside a shed in Brighton on March 1, 2023.
Prosecutors stated that Victoria likely lived for several weeks, enduring harsh conditions. She was seen on CCTV inadequately dressed for the cold, lacking essential items like a hat or socks.
“Their reckless actions were driven by a selfish desire to keep their baby no matter the cost – resulting in her tragic death.”
—Samantha Yelland, Senior Prosecutor for CPS London
The Crown Prosecution Service noted the couple’s efforts to evade detection, including ditching mobile phones and avoiding financial transactions, even leading to periods of starvation. According to the CPS, the exact dates of Victoria’s birth and death remain unknown.
Courtroom Disruptions and Conviction
The trials, held at London’s Old Bailey, were characterized by significant disruption from the defendants. Marten changed legal representation multiple times, while Gordon eventually represented himself.
The court heard that Marten revealed details of Gordon‘s past convictions, information that had been deliberately withheld to ensure a fair trial. At one point, the judge presiding over the case remarked on the defendants’ attitude, stating that two teenagers who had pleaded guilty to murder had behaved better.
Ultimately, Marten and Gordon were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. Authorities believe Victoria’s death was “completely avoidable” and directly attributable to her parents’ decisions.
This case highlights the critical importance of timely intervention and seeking medical and social services, especially for vulnerable infants. In the UK, the child social care system supported approximately 83,400 children in care in March 2023, underscoring the ongoing societal challenge of child welfare (Gov.uk, 2023).
Gordon has indicated his intention to appeal the verdict.