Fugitive aristocrat Constance Marten received nearly £50,000 from her family trust fund around the time she went on the run with her partner and newborn baby, the Old Bailey has heard. Between September 2022 and January 2023, bankers C. Hoare & Co transferred £47,886 to Marten, with the final payment occurring just before a police appeal was launched on 6 January last year.
Marten and Mark Gordon fled after their car burst into flames near Bolton, Greater Manchester, in January 2023. The couple lived in a tent, trying to keep baby Victoria after Marten's four older children were taken into care. When arrested in Brighton, they initially refused to reveal Victoria's whereabouts. Her remains were later found in a Lidl bag in a disused shed on an allotment on 1 March.
Police financial investigator DC Steve Ferguson told the jury that Marten drew a monthly allowance of £2,500 from the trust starting in September 2022, with options for early withdrawals. Sums included £15,590 for a car, £13,596 for camera and filming equipment and a laptop, and £1,200 for storage of belongings. The allowance later rose to £3,400 a month.
On 6 January 2023, the bank emailed Marten asking her to call, followed by further emails expressing concern for her welfare. By 12 January, they stated they were 'very concerned' and urged contact. After the couple's car was found burning on 5 January, no significant card payments were made. At that time, Marten's Metro Bank balance stood at £19,083.18.
Marten and Gordon, of no fixed address, deny charges including manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child. The trial continues at the Old Bailey.
