Constance Marten, now 38, and Mark Gordon, now 51, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison each after being convicted of the gross negligence manslaughter of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on Monday, 15 September 2025, following a high-profile retrial that captivated national attention.
Mark Gordon received an additional four years on extended licence due to his history of violent criminal offenses, including a prior conviction for rape in the United States. Both defendants are required to serve two-thirds of their sentences in custody before being released on licence.
Background of the Case
In late 2022, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon went on the run with their newborn daughter to evade social services after their four older children were placed into care. During this period, the couple lived in a tent in freezing winter conditions in southern England, refusing to seek medical attention or help.
Tragically, Victoria’s body was discovered in a disused shed in Brighton on 1 March 2023, wrapped in a shopping bag. Authorities had conducted a nationwide manhunt for the couple that lasted 54 days before their arrest, highlighting the extreme lengths they went to avoid detection.
The Trial and Conviction
During the retrial, the court found both Marten and Gordon guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence, child cruelty, concealing the birth of a child, and perverting the course of justice. Evidence presented in court revealed that Victoria likely died from hypothermia after being exposed to severe cold.
Judge Mark Lucraft KC condemned their actions, describing the neglect as severe and noting the couple’s lack of remorse and disruptive behavior in court. The case underscored not only the tragic consequences of their neglect but also the challenges faced by authorities in protecting vulnerable children.
Sentencing Details
Both Marten and Gordon were handed 14-year sentences for manslaughter. In addition, Gordon’s extended licence was imposed due to his history of violent offenses. The judge emphasized that the sentences reflected the severity of their neglect and the deliberate avoidance of responsibility for their child.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The case attracted widespread attention because of the couple’s backgrounds and the shocking circumstances surrounding Victoria’s death. Marten, the daughter of an aristocrat, and Gordon, a convicted rapist, went to extraordinary lengths to avoid state intervention. Their behavior, including refusing court appearances and frequently changing legal representation, drew criticism from legal observers.
Experts have highlighted that the case raises important questions about parental responsibility, social services’ role in protecting children, and the lengths some individuals will go to evade the law. The trial also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of neglect on children.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon brings a tragic chapter to a close, but it also sparks ongoing debate about child protection policies, legal accountability, and the responsibilities of parents in safeguarding their children. The case remains a key reference point in discussions about parental neglect and the justice system’s response to child fatalities.
Add your first comment to this post