The ongoing trial of Constance Marten, 36, and her partner Mark Gordon, 49, has unfolded a distressing narrative of alleged gross negligence, concealment, and cruelty surrounding the death of their newborn baby girl.
The couple faces charges of manslaughter, concealment of birth, child cruelty, and perverting the course of justice.
Marten’s Disturbing Account:
During the trial at the Old Bailey, Marten reportedly told police that their infant daughter died while she was holding her in a sitting position, and she discovered the tragedy upon waking up.
Marten provided varying accounts of when the baby died before settling on a date of January 11.
The court heard that Marten and Gordon, described as ‘cruel and arrogant’ parents, left the deceased infant in a disused shed inside a shopping bag covered in rubbish.
Context of Previous Children:
This tragic incident involves the couple’s fifth child, as their previous four children had already been taken into care.
Marten concealed her pregnancy, giving birth in secret after December 28, with the alleged intention of avoiding the child being taken into care.
Desperate Bid to Avoid Authorities:
Prosecutor Tom Little described the couple’s actions as “reckless, utterly selfish, callous, cruel, and arrogant,” emphasizing that their “selfish desire” to keep the baby led to her death.
Instead of seeking medical attention or assistance, Marten and Gordon went off-grid, living in a tent during harsh winter conditions.
Timeline of Escapades:
The trial revealed a timeline of the couple’s movements, including stays in hotels, attempts to break into golf courses, and their eventual arrest in Brighton on February 27, 2023.
The court heard that despite having access to money, the couple lived in precarious conditions, even attempting to leave the country.
Discovery of the Baby’s Body:
Following their arrest, an extensive search led to the discovery of the deceased baby’s body on March 1, 2023, in a disused shed.
The infant was found wrapped in a plastic bag, inside a Lidl bag for life, highlighting the grim conditions in which she allegedly lived before her death.
Police Encounter and Arrest:
Upon arrest, both defendants were reportedly in poor hygiene conditions, with Gordon exhibiting signs of extreme hunger.
Despite repeated questioning, they refused to disclose the whereabouts of the baby.
Legal Proceedings and Denials:
Marten, hailing from a wealthy family with ties to royalty, appeared in court accompanied by her mother and brother.
The couple denies charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, concealment of birth, child cruelty, perverting the course of justice, and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The trial continues with the shocking details unraveling as proceedings unfold.
Conclusion:
The unfolding details of neglect and indifference presented in this trial underscore the gravity of the charges faced by Constance Marten and Mark Gordon.
The alleged actions described in court paint a distressing picture of parental irresponsibility and a disregard for the well-being of their infant daughter.
As the trial progresses, the legal system aims to deliver justice for the tragic loss of a young life.
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