LONDON (AP) — A British aristocrat, Constance Marten, and her boyfriend, Mark Gordon, were sentenced to 14 years in prison for the gross negligence manslaughter of their newborn daughter, Victoria. This sentencing occurred on September 15, 2025, at London’s Central Criminal Court, where the couple was found guilty of multiple offenses, including perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, and child cruelty. In addition to the prison term, Gordon, a convicted sex offender, will serve an extra four years under an extended license.
The investigation began on January 5, 2023, when police discovered a placenta in a burnt vehicle belonging to Marten and Gordon in Bolton, northwestern England. This triggered a nationwide manhunt, as the couple had gone off-grid. Their evasion tactics included spending substantial amounts on taxis to travel around England while avoiding any traceable transactions, such as credit card usage. They lived in a tent on the South Downs, where it is believed their baby died due to exposure to extreme cold conditions.
The search for baby Victoria lasted seven weeks, concluding when her decomposed body was found in a shopping bag amidst garbage in a garden shed in Brighton. Detectives confirmed that during the sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft determined that the infant had died from hypothermia caused by significant cold stress, rejecting the couple's assertions that the death was a tragic accident.
Judge Lucraft expressed dismay at the couple's disregard for their child's well-being, stating, “It is clear throughout the period neither of you gave much or any thought for the care or love for your baby.” The couple had other children taken away by social services due to concerns for their safety, which led Marten to give birth to Victoria in secret.
After their arrest in Brighton on February 27, 2023, both Marten and Gordon refused to disclose the whereabouts of the baby’s body. Surveillance footage briefly captured Victoria in a distinctive onesie adorned with teddy bears, which she was later found wearing. Following their arrest, Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford remarked that the couple had numerous opportunities to act responsibly and should have prioritized the safety and needs of their child over their attempt to escape authorities.
From a personal standpoint, Basford expressed the difficulty of comprehending how the couple chose to endure harsh outdoor conditions instead of ensuring warmth and care for their daughter. Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal emphasized society's primary responsibility to protect children, stating, “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.”
Constance Marten hails from a prominent British aristocratic family and was a drama student at the time she met Mark Gordon. Gordon has a criminal history, having spent 20 years in prison in the United States due to convictions for kidnapping and sexual battery in Florida before being deported after his release.
This case has drawn significant media attention not only due to the couple's privileged background and their subsequent criminal actions but also because of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of their newborn daughter, highlighting severe gaps in protective measures for children at risk.
