Convicted Couple Found Guilty of Manslaughter Following Baby’s Death

A jury at the Old Bailey has found Constance Marten, aged 38, and her partner Mark Gordon, 51, guilty of gross negligence manslaughter following the tragic death of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The couple was also previously convicted of perverting the course of justice and concealment of a baby’s birth. The verdict came after the decomposed body of Victoria was discovered in a shopping bag on March 1, 2023, following a seven-week manhunt as they evaded authorities.

During the retrial, a **30-year-old rape victim** of Gordon spoke out, branding him a “monster” and asserting that he deserves the death penalty for his past actions. In 1990, Gordon committed a brutal knifepoint rape of a neighbour in Miami shortly after moving to the United States. The victim recounted the horror of her experience, stating, “He took everything from me,” and emphasized the lasting impact the crime has had on her and her family.

Marten and Gordon’s case has not only drawn public attention due to their heinous acts but also because of the substantial legal costs incurred during their trials, which are estimated to have reached over **£10 million**. The prolonged proceedings included multiple attempts to derail justice, with Judge Mark Lucraft KC expressing frustration at the couple’s behaviour, stating they were “worse behaved than teenage murderers.”

Details of the Case and Previous Convictions

The couple’s troubles began when social services took their other four children into care. In a desperate bid to avoid authorities, Marten and Gordon went into hiding. Their previous convictions for perverting justice and concealing the birth of their child were overshadowed by the grim discovery of Victoria’s body after a lengthy search.

Gordon’s violent past became a point of contention during the trial. The jury learned of his **1994 conviction** for armed sexual battery and aggravated battery, for which he received a **40-year** prison sentence but served just over half before being deported to the UK. His history of violence, including a chilling threat to his rape victim, was not disclosed to jurors in the first trial but emerged in the retrial, visibly shocking the jury.

The court heard that Marten and Gordon had been spotted scavenging for food while in hiding, despite having access to significant funds from a trust. Their circumstances worsened after they gave birth to Victoria in a hired cottage over Christmas 2022. Following the discovery of their abandoned car, authorities launched a high-risk missing persons alert that ultimately led to their arrest.

Impact on Victims and Society

The victim of Gordon’s earlier crime has expressed her belief that both he and Marten should be held accountable for their actions. “Constance was her mum; she should have protected her baby,” she remarked. The impact of Gordon’s past crimes continues to haunt her family, as her daughter suffers from lasting trauma associated with the attack.

During the trial, it was revealed that Gordon had a history of violence against Marten as well. In 2019, she suffered severe injuries that required hospitalization, a situation exacerbated by Gordon’s refusal to allow medical assistance into their home. Following this incident, a Family Court judge decided to remove the couple’s other children from their care.

The case has raised critical questions about the judicial system and the handling of violent offenders. Judge Lucraft described Gordon as one of the most dangerous individuals he had encountered in his **25 years on the bench**. This case underscores the urgency of addressing the risks posed by individuals with a history of violence and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus will likely shift to the broader implications for child welfare and protective services, as well as the societal responsibilities of individuals with known violent histories. The tragic death of Victoria serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of neglect and violence, prompting calls for systemic reform and increased vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations.