Constance Marten, 37, and her partner Mark Gordon, 50, are currently on trial at the Old Bailey, facing charges of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of their baby daughter, Victoria. The couple denies the allegations, which stem from events that occurred between January 4 and February 27, 2023. Victoria's body was tragically discovered in a shopping bag filled with rubbish in a disused shed near Brighton, shortly after the couple was arrested following a high-profile police hunt for the missing child.
During a dramatic session on May 8, 2025, Marten was cross-examined by Gordon, who is representing himself in court. Their case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the circumstances surrounding Victoria's death but also the couple's tumultuous relationship with Marten's affluent family. Marten described her family as viewing her as an "embarrassment" and expressed fears that they would stop at nothing to maintain control over her life.
Marten claimed, "There’s a few people in my biological family who see me as an embarrassment and are scared I will speak out about them and will stop at nothing to get what they want." She elaborated on her estrangement from her family, stating that they had prejudiced views against Gordon and were disapproving of their relationship. She emphasized that her primary concern was the safety of her daughter, Victoria.
In a heartbreaking moment, Marten recounted the difficulties of living with the knowledge of Victoria's death, stating, "I found Victoria's death very difficult to live with but it wasn't due to neglect in any way." The prosecution contends that Victoria died from hypothermia or was smothered while co-sleeping in a flimsy tent on the South Downs, despite previous warnings about the dangers of their living conditions.
Marten described the tent as a temporary "pit stop" meant to evade prying eyes, as the couple had been pursued by private investigators and had experienced a series of vehicle malfunctions that she believed were orchestrated by her family. She told the jury, "It is harrowing, you are up against these people who will stop at nothing, who have endless resources and connections." She expressed her belief that one of her relatives might have been behind a car explosion that occurred shortly after Victoria's birth, stating, "I just feel that after I spoke out about a family member of mine eight years ago… that’s why I feel that this person doesn’t want me alive."
As the trial unfolded, the jury learned that the couple had been living in a tent in Wales before Victoria's birth. Marten recounted the fear that gripped her after their car exploded in January 2023, along with the mysterious malfunctions of 15 other vehicles they had used. She described the situation as a "cat and mouse game" with her family who had hired private detectives to track them.
Marten's emotional testimony continued as she reflected on the time spent with her other children before they were taken away by social services, describing those moments as the "happiest days of our lives." She expressed a deep love for her children and insisted that her actions were motivated by a desire to protect Victoria from being taken into care, as had happened with her other children.
In a poignant moment, Marten stated, "I would turn back time if I knew Victoria was in danger," adding that they had spent so long trying to protect her. The prosecution alleges that their attempts to live off-grid ultimately led to the tragic circumstances surrounding Victoria's death.
Throughout the cross-examination, Marten faced intense scrutiny from the prosecution. During one exchange, she called prosecution counsel Joel Smith KC "diabolical" and "heartless" when questioned about the decision to leave Victoria's body in a bag filled with rubbish. She expressed frustration at the way she was being treated in court, stating, "I just passed out from exhaustion and although they are not directly responsible the onus is on them. They should know that doing a big manhunt with a parent who’s just given birth – it’s just completely unnecessary."
The couple had previously been convicted of concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice in a prior trial, but the jury could not reach a verdict on the charges of manslaughter. The retrial began in March 2025, with both defendants maintaining their innocence regarding the more serious allegations.
Marten's testimony revealed the complex dynamics of her family background, highlighting how her privileged upbringing contrasted sharply with her current situation. She stated that her family had made it clear she could not access her trust fund if she remained with Gordon, emphasizing the prejudice she felt from her relatives.
As the trial continues, the jury is faced with the challenging task of determining the circumstances surrounding Victoria's death and the responsibilities of her parents. The case raises significant questions about parental rights, societal judgment, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones.
In the courtroom, emotions ran high as Marten expressed her anguish over the loss of her daughter, asserting that their life on the run was a selfless act of love. She stated, "Mark and I don’t relish being on the move constantly... but we did it because we love our daughter so much. It was a parental love, it was a selfless act." The trial is set to continue, with the jury expected to deliberate on the complex issues presented in this deeply tragic case.
