In a case that has horrified the nation, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been handed significant prison sentences for the manslaughter of their newborn daughter, Victoria, who died during a desperate attempt to live off-grid in a tent on the South Downs.
The Old Bailey heard how the couple's "arrogant" and "reckless" pursuit of a secret life, driven by a fear of authorities, led directly to the tragic and preventable death of their child in the bitter winter of January 2023.
A Desperate Flight from Authorities
The court was told that Marten, born into wealth and privilege, and Gordon, who had served a 20-year US prison sentence, embarked on a catastrophic course of action after their four previous children were taken into care. Instead of seeking help, they chose to disappear from society.
Their journey was one of increasing desperation. They lived in a rented car, paying for everything in cash to avoid a paper trail, before it burst into flames on the M61 motorway. With their belongings destroyed, they purchased a cheap tent and camping gear and retreated onto the exposed South Downs near Brighton.
The Final Days of Baby Victoria
It was in this flimsy shelter, during one of the coldest winters in recent memory, that baby Victoria spent her short life. The infant, who was never given medical attention after her birth, was subjected to freezing temperatures and squalid conditions.
Prosecutors detailed how the couple, sleeping in a fetal position to conserve heat, failed to ensure the baby was kept warm or adequately fed. She was found curled inside a Lidl bag for life, buried under soil and rubbish, after succumbing to the cold.
Justice Delivered at the Old Bailey
Mr. Justice Garnham delivered the sentences, stating their "total negligence" and "self-absorption" had cost Victoria her life. He sentenced Mark Gordon to 12 years and 6 months in prison. Constance Marten received a sentence of 11 years and 6 months, with the judge noting her vulnerability was exploited by Gordon.
The judge concluded that any reasonable person would have realised their actions would cause the child serious harm, highlighting their decision to prioritise their own secrecy over their daughter's survival.
A Legacy of Tragedy
The case has sparked widespread examination of the social care system and the extreme lengths some parents will go to avoid it. While the couple's grief was acknowledged, the court emphasised that it was their choices, not fate, that led to this profound tragedy.
