A tragic case unfolds as Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are sentenced to 14 years in prison for the manslaughter of their newborn daughter, Victoria, while evading police.
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In a case that has garnered national attention, Constance Marten, 38, and her partner Mark Gordon, 51, have each been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the manslaughter of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The couple’s actions led to the child’s tragic death while they were evading authorities, attempting to prevent her from being taken into care.
The Incident
The couple’s ordeal began on January 5, 2023, when their car caught fire on a motorway in Bolton, Greater Manchester. This incident triggered a nationwide manhunt as police sought to locate Marten and Gordon. The couple fled, living off the grid and eventually camping in a tent on the South Downs, where baby Victoria sadly died just days later.
After a desperate seven-week search, police arrested the couple in Brighton. Tragically, their baby was found dead, concealed in a Lidl bag among rubbish in a disused shed nearby. The jury at their retrial unanimously found them guilty of manslaughter in July.
Sentencing and Reactions
At the Old Bailey on Monday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC condemned the couple for their selfishness, stating they prioritized their own needs over their child’s safety. “Your actions were not only irresponsible but demonstrated a complete disregard for the life of your newborn,” he remarked during the sentencing.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, emphasized the importance of seeking justice for baby Victoria. “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,” Narwal stated.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the manhunt, emphasized the avoidability of Victoria’s death, criticizing the couple’s decision to live outdoors in harsh conditions rather than seeking help. “The couple had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing and come forward to ask for help,” he said.
Future Implications
The sentences mean both Marten and Gordon are likely to spend significant time in prison, with Gordon facing additional scrutiny upon release due to his status as a registered sex offender. Marten, who showed little remorse during proceedings, is expected to appeal her manslaughter conviction.
As the case continues to attract public attention, it raises critical questions about the welfare of vulnerable children and parental responsibilities. The tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of intervention in situations where a child’s safety is at risk.
In summary, the case of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon highlights a heartbreaking failure to protect an innocent life, resulting in severe legal repercussions for the couple.
