Constance Marten and Mark Gordon Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Baby's Death
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were convicted of manslaughter and other charges related to the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria.
Overview
- Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, a British aristocrat couple, were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria.
- The couple lived off-grid for over seven weeks, evading police before their arrest, during which they concealed the birth of their child.
- Victoria's body was discovered in a shopping bag on a vegetable patch, raising questions about the circumstances of her death.
- Marten and Gordon were also convicted of child cruelty and perverting the course of justice, highlighting their neglectful behavior.
- Despite having access to a trust fund, the couple failed to provide adequate care for their daughter, leading to her tragic death.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story with a focus on the couple's aristocratic background and the tragic circumstances surrounding their child's death. The narrative emphasizes legal consequences and societal implications, reflecting a critical perspective on their actions while highlighting themes of neglect and justice, suggesting a moral judgment on their lifestyle choices.
"The selfish actions of Mark Gordon and Constance Marten resulted in the death of a newborn baby who should have had the rest of her life ahead of her."
CBS NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
Mark Gordon, aged 51, had a violent past in the United States, including a conviction for rape in 1989, for which he served 22 years of a 40-year sentence. He was also convicted of assaulting two female police officers in Wales in 2017. This violent history was not fully disclosed during the first trial but was revealed in the second trial.
The couple lived in a flimsy tent on the South Downs, conditions that prosecutors argued were grossly negligent and could have led to the baby dying from hypothermia or being smothered while co-sleeping.
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon evaded detection by using cash for cabs and avoiding credit cards. They were eventually arrested in Brighton after a nationwide search that lasted 54 days, triggered by the discovery of a placenta in their abandoned car.
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter, child cruelty, and perverting the course of justice. They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2025.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.