A heartbreaking case from the UK has come to a close, as an aristocrat and her partner were sentenced to 14 years in prison for the tragic death of their newborn daughter. The story, which gripped the nation in 2023, involved a missing couple, a nationwide manhunt, and the devastating discovery of their baby’s body in a shopping bag.
Couple Jailed for Death of Baby Victoria While on the Run
Constance Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 51, were sentenced on September 15, 2025, at London’s Old Bailey court for gross negligence manslaughter in the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The judge described their actions as “neglect of the gravest and most serious type”.
The baby’s remains were found in a shed in Brighton in early 2023 after the couple had been on the run for 53 days. Their attempt to escape authorities and live off-grid tragically ended with their daughter dying from hypothermia.
Timeline of the Case
Here’s a summary of key events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2023 | Police find Marten and Gordon’s burnt-out car. Evidence reveals recent childbirth. |
| Jan – Feb 2023 | A 53-day manhunt unfolds across southern England. |
| March 2023 | The couple is arrested. Baby Victoria’s remains are found days later in a shed. |
| Sept 15, 2025 | Marten and Gordon sentenced to 14 years in jail for manslaughter and other charges. |
Why Were They on the Run?
Marten and Gordon disappeared after four of their children were removed by social services, fearing their fifth baby would also be taken. Authorities believe this fear led them to flee and give birth in hiding, putting the baby in severe danger.
The couple moved across southern England, avoiding police and sleeping rough in a tent on the South Downs during the winter. It was in this freezing environment that baby Victoria is believed to have died from cold exposure.
Legal Charges and Sentencing
In addition to manslaughter, the couple was convicted of:
Child cruelty
Concealing the birth of a child
Perverting the course of justice
Judge Mark Lucraft KC criticised them for showing no true remorse. He stated, “Neither of you gave much or any thought for the care or love of your baby.”
While both lawyers said their clients felt deep regret, the judge and jury were not convinced of any genuine accountability.
Constance Marten’s Background
Constance Marten comes from a wealthy British aristocratic family. Her fall from grace has shocked many, especially as her actions led to such a devastating outcome. Her lawyer said that the grief she feels “will weigh heavily on her for the rest of her life.”
Mark Gordon’s Past Criminal Record
Mark Gordon was already a known offender. According to The Guardian, he spent 20 years in a US prison for raping a woman at knifepoint when he was just 14. Given this past, the court added four more years of extended licence to his sentence, stating he posed a higher risk of reoffending.
This case is a painful reminder of how poor decisions made under pressure can lead to irreversible tragedy. Baby Victoria’s death could have been prevented if the couple had sought help instead of hiding from the system. Their actions not only led to the loss of a young life but also showed the dangers of living off-grid without proper care or planning, especially when a child is involved. As they begin their prison sentences, the memory of their daughter will forever remain tied to a series of tragic choices.
