GUILTY UK - Constance Marten & Mark Gordon charged in death of baby Victoria, GUILTY on all counts incl retrial on manslaughter, 5 Jan 2023 #9

  • #941
Successfully helping them overturn their convictions would be prestigious even for a top defence silk.
True, but their track record is firing counsel at the drop of a hat. Even the most skilled lawyer can't develop a case if their client won't give them the opportunity. It isn't that there aren't talented and eager appellate specialists out there who could do a very good job, it's that the clients in this case are incredibly difficult to work with and tend to fire them on a whim. I lost count of how many they sacked between them both, for both trials.

MOO
 
  • #942
What did the charge of perverting the course of justice, for which they were convicted and have now been handed a five-year sentence, consist of?

Basically it amounts to keeping the information from the authorities that their baby had died (together of course with the verdict that she had died as the result of crime)? Is this correct? I am going by the sentencing remarks.
Following up to my own post here, but I am trying to separate "concealing the birth" (which despite the name requires concealing the death) and "perversion of the course of justice". These were two separate offences, on both of which they were convicted.
 
  • #943
Following up to my own post here, but I am trying to separate "concealing the birth" (which despite the name requires concealing the death) and "perversion of the course of justice". These were two separate offences, on both of which they were convicted.
You might need to talk to someone who knows more about the law. I'm unsure of the lines myself. I don't think any of our resident legal eagles are knocking around this thread.

MOO
 
  • #944
You might need to talk to someone who knows more about the law. I'm unsure of the lines myself. I don't think any of our resident legal eagles are knocking around this thread.

MOO


@Nikynoo should be able to help the poster
 
  • #945
I'm dissapointed that they could be out in 7 years but knowing what we know about them, the full term inside is more likely. Prison represents everything these two despise: authority, obedience, order, routine and above all, being apart from one another. I can't see them keeping their heads down and doing their time.

As for the trial, they showed their true colours again. MG, deluded, thinking he had hired Harry Potter and he was walking free. CM, making hearts like a 12 year old. Both of them passing notes like petulant teenagers.
As for the mother saying she's horrified at how CM has been represented...does she not know the public can think critically?How does someone who has had 4 children removed, one decesased at their hands, and behaved like they did in court be "represented"? Joke's on her, CM didn't even acknowledged her.
And as for the idiotic protesters outside, they are likely hopeless "parents" like MG and CM who cannot take a hard look at themselves.
At this stage, all I hope is that they stay apart long enough to never conceive and traumatise (or worse) another child.
Something tells me we will hear from them again.
 
  • #946

Sep 15, 2025 #BBCNews
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have both been sentenced to 14 years in prison over the death of their baby. They were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after a long and complex trial which was beset by delays and bizarre outbursts. Gordon will serve a further four years on extended licence, while Marten will not be released until she has served at least two thirds of her sentence. Their baby Victoria was found dead in a shopping bag in Brighton, UK, in 2023 after the pair spent two months on the run. Pathologists are still not sure exactly how she died.
 
  • #947

14:55

Marten and Gordon listening to judge​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Gordon is sitting close to the front of the big glass dock and Marten is sitting at the back of it - there is about a metre between them.

They are listening to the judge as he goes through his sentencing remarks.

Gordon turns his head and quietly says something to a dock officer, but it's not clear what.

Marten is shaking her head when the judge says they showed no care to baby Victoria.

We won't get to hear what the sentencing is until the end of the judge's remarks, which can take some time to read through.


14:52

Marten shakes head as judge begins​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

The judge, wearing a robe and wig, speaks.

The judge says it will take a bit of time to read what he has to say, and he tells Marten and Gordon they can remain seated.

As soon as he started reading out his remarks, Constance Marten was shaking her head.

Her mother, who was here earlier in the day, has not returned to the court room for the sentencing.


14:49

Judge begins sentencing remarks​

Judge Mark Lucraft KC has just started delivering the sentences for Constance Marten and Mark Gordon.

We'll bring you his comments right here - but you can also watch as he delivers them - just press watch live at the top of this page.


14:47

Court about to resume for sentencing​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Marten and Gordon are back in the dock.

They are leaning towards each other and are in an intense chat.


14:37

Explaining the sentencing​

Daniel Sandford
Reporting from the Old Bailey

The judge has a number of options when passing sentence. He can pass a normal (determinate) sentence, or he can pass an 'extended' sentence which has an extra element, or a life sentence.

If he passes a determinate sentence, then Constance Marten and Mark Gordon will have to serve two-thirds of that sentence before being considered for parole.

So for example if he gives a 12-year sentence the couple could not be released for at least 8 years minus the two and a half years they have already served while awaiting trial.

 
  • #948

15:14​

The pair left hospital without fourth newborn, judge says

The judge, wearing a robe and wig, speaks.

The judge says that Marten and Gordon's fourth child was born in south-east London.

After the birth, the pair left the hospital without the baby, despite being told they couldn't return to the ward "due to Covid concerns".

Marten tried to return the next day and became upset when refused entry, having refused to take a Covid test.

Judge Lucraft says a social worker had told the pair that the baby was not ready to be discharged, and that Marten should be looking after her baby, not leaving it to the nurses.

15:14​

Marten failed to attend medical appointments during previous pregnancies​

The judge continues to detail the interactions Marten and Gordon had had with various authorities during the pregnancies and births of previous children.

In May 2021, when Marten was heavily pregnant with a fourth child, appointments with midwives were made, but she did not attend them. Marten emailed to say she had decided on a private scan.

The judge references an unplanned home visit at this time where Marten refused to let the social worker in. This child was later born in hospital.

15:06​

Concerns were raised in 2017 about their lack of preparation for a baby

Judge Lucraft continues to sum up the evidence presented in court, including how the couple were advised to apply for social housing in 2017.

They were told to reach out to family for housing, and a court order would be sought if the pair were unable to find suitable accommodation for themselves and the baby.

In December of that year, a social worker told Gordon that there were concerns around the lack of preparation for having a child.


15:04​

Marten faked Irish accent and called herself 'Isabella'​

Claire Ellison
Reporting from the Old Bailey

The judge recounts Constance Marten faking her identity during the birth of her first child, calling herself Isabella O'Brien and faking an Irish accent.

The pair thought that if they posed as travellers they would get social housing and benefits, Judge Lucraft says.

15:02​

Judge goes through Marten and Gordon's deceptions​

The judge, wearing a robe and wig, speaks.

The judge now says that the pair's history with their other four children paints a picture of arrogance and a lack of thought for anyone else.

He adds that while Marten and Gordon have sought to present themselves as caring parents during the trial, the reality is very different.

Judge Lucraft references their deceptions during Marten's pregnancies prior to her giving birth to Victoria - including using fake identities - and to a hospital alert raised in 2017 when nobody could find them.

15:00​

Pair was 'criss-crossing England' to avoid detection, judge says​

Judge Mark Lucraft KC continues, mentioning how the pair changed their address to make sure their fifth child - baby Victoria who died - wasn't taken into care.

He says they travelled long distances - "criss-crossing England" - and that, whatever their plan was, it seemed to be avoiding detection and to get abroad.

"Neither of you gave much or any thought to care or welfare of your baby... Your focus was on yourselves."

He also mentions Marten's "significant income" and an increasing monthly allowance.

As a reminder: Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have had five children - the first four were taken into care.

 
  • #949
15:20

Baby Victoria was wearing 'little more than a babygrow', judge says

Daniel Sandford

Reporting from the Old Bailey

The judge, wearing a robe and wig, speaks. He looks at his laptop and adjusts his glasses

The judge says “where there is video footage it shows the baby clad in little more than a babygrow”.

“The death of your baby was as the result of obvious neglect by you."

15:19​

Judge moves onto baby Victoria's death​


p0m2yw2k.jpg

00:35
Media caption,'I propose to sentence you on the basis of death by hypothermia' - judge

The judge turns to the cause of baby Victoria's death.

"In my judgment...your baby was exposed to significant cold stress.

"I propose to sentence on the base of death by hypothermia," the judge says.

15:18​

Judge addresses their four children in car​

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have had five children - the first four are in care.

They were placed with foster parents, because the family court found that the pair both presented "significant risk of harm to your children", Judge Lucraft says.

He adds that the family court at the time described the couple's relationship as "obscure" and one that involves "serious physical violence" perpetrated by Gordon on Marten.

 
  • #950
15:28

Marten shaking head​

Helena Wilkinson
reporting from the Old Bailey

Constance Marten shakes her head again as the judge says to the defendants that there "has been no genuine expression of remorse from either of you".

15:26

Expert found tent was insufficient to keep baby warm, judge says​

The judge is now summing up evidence that was given during the trial by Professor George Havenith, an expert on clothing and cold exposure.

The professor recreated conditions inside and outside the tent where Marten and Gordon were camping with baby Victoria.

Judge Lucraft explains that Prof Havenith tested a series of different situations and was careful during each to draw on the "various best-case scenarios", considering factors such as moisture and wind speeds.

The professor made several conclusions - including that the insultation available to Victoria outside the tent was insufficient and that inside the tent the insulation would have also been insufficient if the coat or sleeping bag were wet.

15:23

Judge details the couple's travel north after car fire​

The judge now speaks about the events of early January 2023, when the couple's car caught fire.

He says they had little in the way of belongings and travelled north to places including Liverpool and Bolton.

The judge recounts one witness saying they heard a baby crying, clearly in distress.

While Marten and Gordon have said that they dressed baby Victoria in a ski jacket and kept her in a sling, CCTV footage shows this was not the case, and she was in fact dressed in a thin baby grow.

They eventually ended up on the south coast and later bought gear including a tent and sleeping bags.

On 8 January 2023, they are seen on CCTV heading into open fields, where they were not seen again for days.

15:21

Gordon staring at floor​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

As the judge goes through his sentencing remarks, Gordon looks down to the floor.

Marten every so often will shake her head in disagreement. Other times she has her eyes shut.

 
  • #951

15:37
Mark Gordon will serve further four years on licence​

Daniel Sandford
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Mark Gordon will serve a further 4 years on extended licence.

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Constance Marten will not be released until she has served at least two thirds of her sentence.


15:36
No reaction from Marten and Gordon

Helena Wilkinson

Reporting from the Old Bailey

For a couple who caused so much disruption during their trial, there was no reaction from them as they were handed lengthy sentences.

Gordon looked down at the floor and there was no reaction from Marten.


15:34

Gordon and Marten sentenced to at least 14 years​

Daniel Sandford
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Mark Gordon and Constance Marten both sentenced to at least 14 years.

We'll bring you more on this very shortly.


15:31

No genuine response from the couple, judge says​

Judge Lucraft says he will take into account that Marten has not had any previous convictions.

But, he adds that there is no genuine remorse from either of them, and that they seek to blame everyone else.

I need to consider if they are a danger to others, he says.


15:29

Marten and Gordon blamed everyone else, judge says​

The judge looks up as he speaks

The judge says that Marten and Gordon have tried to blame everyone else during their trials.

He says the police would have faced public criticism if they had not sought to find them.

The judge adds that, normally, parents consider children as precious beings and will look out for their welfare at the expense of their own comfort.

Marten and Gordon, he says, did not to this and their behaviour to Victoria can only be described as neglect that ultimately led to her death.

 
  • #952

15:48​

'No child should have had its life cut short in this preventable way' - CPS​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

We've just had a statement from the Crown Prosecution Service.

“We were determined to seek justice for baby Victoria and honour her tragically short life," Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor said.

“Marten and Gordon used different antics to frustrate and delay court proceedings, doing everything in their power to try and delay facing responsibility for their actions.

“No child should have had its life cut short in this preventable way. I hope today's sentences provide a sense of justice and comfort to all those affected by this tragic case.”


15:40​

Judge acknowledges 'difficult and painstaking investigation'​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

After handing out the sentences, Judge Mark Lucraft KC makes some final remarks.

It was clearly a "difficult and painstaking investigation", he says, which involved many police officers, and expresses his thanks to all those involved.

And with that, the sentencing of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon comes to a close.

The defendants stand to leave the courtroom. They tried to say goodbye but Marten was led out of the dock.

Marten handed a note to Gordon before she left.

 
  • #953

BBC documentary exploring Constance Marten and Mark Gordon case on BBC Two tonight​


Pixelated headshots of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon against a grainy dark image of CCTV of them on the street

The Big Cases - The Aristocrat, the Convict and the Missing Baby - a BBC documentary looking at the backgrounds and actions of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon - is airing on BBC Two at 23:00 BST tonight.

The documentary has been informed by interviews with family, friends and witnesses as well as exclusive research.

Alternatively, you can also watch it on BBC iPlayer.

 
  • #954

16:29​

They had plenty of chances to do the right thing, says detective who led search​

The detective who led the search for Constance Marten and Mark Gordon has echoed the words said in court today - that baby Victoria's death was "completely avoidable".

In a statement after the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford says: "The couple had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing and come forward to ask for help. They knew that officers were looking for them.

"Speaking personally as a father, I find it hard to comprehend how, instead of providing the warmth and care their child needed, Mark Gordon and Constance Marten chose to live outside during freezing conditions to avoid the authorities."


16:17​

Hundreds of officers were involved in the search - Met Police​

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke led the homicide investigation into baby Victoria's death.

She says it was an "incredibly challenging investigation" for the hundreds of officers involved in the search for Marten and Gordon across the UK.

"Our main focus throughout the search was finding Victoria alive and we were devastated by the outcome," Yorke says.

Yorke says baby Victoria would have recently had her second birthday and "should have had the rest of her life ahead of her".


16:07​

The end of a chaotic court process​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Today's sentencing brings to an end a lengthy and difficult case which saw Constance Marten and Mark Gordon disrupt and cause chaos over many months.

At times their behaviour in court was so overpowering it distracted from what was at the heart of this case; the death of their newborn daughter.

During their trial and retrial, we saw CCTV footage of Victoria, dressed in just a baby grow, in the middle of a cold winter.

Her short life was spent on the run with her parents. It ended in a flimsy tent on the South Downs in East Sussex.

Given how disruptive the pair have been throughout their case there was surprisingly little reaction from them as they were handed lengthy prison sentences.

Marten just shook her head when her partner was told how long he would have to serve.

 
  • #955

16:44​

What did the judge say when he sentenced Marten and Gordon?​

p0m30knf.jpg

02:13
Media caption, Watch: Moment judge sentences Gordon and Marten to at least 14 years

Judge Mark Lucraft has sentenced Mark Gordon and Constance Marten to 14 years in prison. Gordon will serve a further four years on extended licence.

Here's a recap of what the judge said in his sentencing remarks:

Past conduct

Baby Victoria

  • The judge said the couple did not give a "thought to the care or welfare" of Victoria, and focused only on themselves as they tried to avoid detection
  • Summarising the poor care she had during cold winter weather, the judge stated that the couple would be sentenced based on a death of hypothermia - the "result of obvious neglect"
  • He added that there is no genuine remorse from them and that they were constantly looking to blame everyone else
Distracting the court

 
  • #956

A case like no other I've covered​

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from the Old Bailey

Court sketch showing Marten and Gordon looking glum with a court officer between them in the background.
IMAGE SOURCE, ELIZABETH COOK

I sat through Marten and Gordon's trial last year and the retrial this year.

It's been a case like no other I've covered.

For a couple who appeared fixated on each other, they'll now spend many years apart in prison for causing their baby daughter's death.

It's difficult to see how Marten and Gordon will ever fully accept responsibility for what happened.

As the judge put it today, they "tried to blame everyone else during their trials".

He added that "normally parents consider children as precious beings and will look out for their welfare at the expense of their own comfort".

But Marten and Gordon didn't do that, he said, and it was their behaviour towards baby Victoria that ultimately led to her death.

 
Last edited:
  • #957
  • #958
Screenshot_2025-09-15-21-38-26-33_f9ee0578fe1cc94de7482bd41accb329.webp

Even if she does 2/3 of the sentence. That should put her at about 48. Which hopefully should prevent her having yet more kids.
 
  • #959
Para.40 of the sentencing remarks is likely to get taken to bits at appeal IMO:

"(Your) conduct occurred in the context of the previous care proceedings. Those proceedings
show there had been previous instances of significant failings by each of you towards your
other children. Those failings are relevant to the assessment of seriousness
."

A different view of those proceedings and their context from the one that was held by the judge in them wasn't allowed to be presented at the trial. Lucraft seems to be saying that trying to prevent your fifth child from being taken, after the first four were taken, is more serious than if it was your first one.

 
  • #960
Para.40 of the sentencing remarks is likely to get taken to bits at appeal IMO:

"(Your) conduct occurred in the context of the previous care proceedings. Those proceedings
show there had been previous instances of significant failings by each of you towards your
other children. Those failings are relevant to the assessment of seriousness
."

A different view of those proceedings and their context from the one that was held by the judge in them wasn't allowed to be presented at the trial. Lucraft seems to be saying that trying to prevent your fifth child from being taken, after the first four were taken, is more serious than if it was your first one.


And yet they had every opportunity to stop those other children being removed. Those are the facts. It was a direct consequence of their own actions as proven in court. Had they worked with social services during previous proceedings or even when she got pregnant with Victoria then we could have been looking at a very different scenario.

How many children do they deserve to have?! Keep popping them out until they get it right?? 4 children have been removed from their care, after suffering from/risk of significant harm, one child lost her life within weeks of being born. It shows despite numerous interventions CM and MG chose themselves over and over again. There is no justification for this. Moo.
 

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