British Aristocrat & Boyfriend: 14-Year Prison Sentence for Baby’s Death
“`html
British Aristocrat and Boyfriend Sentenced to 14 Years for Newborn daughter’s Death
Table of Contents
The Crime and Investigation
Constance Marten, 38, and her boyfriend Mark Gordon, 51, a convicted sex offender, were sentenced to 14 years in prison on Monday for the death of their newborn daughter. The sentencing took place at London’s Central Criminal Court following a conviction of gross negligence manslaughter in July. They were also previously convicted of perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, and child cruelty. Gordon will serve a further four years on extended license.
The case began with a nationwide search launched after police discovered a placenta on January 5, 2023, in a burned-out car belonging to Marten and Gordon near Bolton in northwestern England. This finding triggered a massive investigation as the couple instantly went on the run.
Going Off-Grid
Marten and Gordon embarked on a intentional attempt to evade authorities, traveling across England and living “off-grid.” They spent hundreds of pounds on taxis to avoid detection and refrained from using credit cards or any traceable payment methods. Their efforts to remain hidden led them to sleep in a tent on the South Downs, a range of hills in southern England, where their baby, Victoria, tragically died.
Discovery of Victoria’s Body
The seven-week-long search concluded with the grim discovery of Victoria’s decomposed body in a shopping bag under garbage in a garden shed in Brighton in 2023.The location of the body and the circumstances surrounding her death shocked the nation.
Timeline of events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2023 | Placenta discovered in burned-out car near Bolton, triggering police search. |
| January – March 2023 | Marten and Gordon evade authorities,traveling across England and living off-grid. |
| March 2023 | Victoria’s body discovered in Brighton. |
| July 2 |