Constance Marten has claimed she told her partner Mark Gordon to lie to the police about where he was when their baby Victoria died because she was afraid he would be blamed. During her testimony, Ms Marten revealed her fears of investigators “automatically” placing the blame on Mr Gordon because of the colour of his skin. She explained that the previous experiences she had with authorities led her to distrust them. The couple deny manslaughter by gross negligence and other charges.
The prosecutor, Joel Smith KC, questioned Ms Marten and asked her if Gordon was present and asleep in the tent the night Victoria died. She confirmed that she did tell him to say he wasn’t there because she was very protective of her husband and felt as though he was blamed for everything. The couple was finally arrested in late February in Brighton, after a nationwide search for the family began in early 2023.
Ms Marten previously indicated to the court that she allegedly felt guilty for causing the death of her baby by falling asleep on her. She had stated that Victoria died four days after their family’s car was found beside a motorway near Bolton. Prosecutors argue that the couple’s gross negligence and obviously dangerous conduct were responsible for the child’s death.
All of the couple’s previous four children were taken into care. Ms Marten said she was exhausted and could not rest by staying at different hotels around the country. She further claimed that she loved Victoria and wanted an autopsy to determine the baby’s actual cause of death for her peace of mind. Ms Marten also disclosed that the couple had discussed surrendering themselves to the police during the 53-day search, but they were afraid of the repercussions. The couple denies all charges
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