A couple is currently facing a retrial at the Old Bailey after being accused of the gross negligence manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of their baby girl. The prosecution has argued that the parents, Constance Marten, 37, and Mark Gordon, 50, displayed reckless and ultimately negligent behavior that resulted in the tragic death of their child. The prosecutor, Tom Little KC, emphasized how the couple’s actions prioritized their relationship and personal beliefs over the well-being of their baby, ultimately leading to the baby’s death.
During the previous trial, Marten and Gordon were found guilty of concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice. The jury learned that the couple, who have been together since 2016, have four other children who were all taken into care. The prosecutor highlighted how Marten and Gordon chose to give birth in secret, withheld essential care and necessities for the baby, and avoided seeking medical aid before or after the birth. As the couple evaded authorities and intensified the risks associated with their situation, the dangers to the baby grew exponentially.
The court heard that Marten and Gordon traveled through various locations in England before being apprehended in Brighton. Their movements included stays in South Yorkshire, Bolton, Essex, London, and the South Coast, as well as abandoning a car that caught fire on the M61 highway in Greater Manchester. Amidst this chaotic journey, the couple’s baby, referred to as Victoria, was tragically found dead in a shopping bag in an allotment in Brighton. These harrowing events led to a public manhunt and the eventual discovery of Marten and Gordon in Brighton, although the baby was no longer with them.
As the retrial unfolds, the prosecution continues to present evidence and arguments surrounding the case, shedding light on the tragic circumstances that culminated in the loss of the young baby girl’s life. The court proceedings aim to elucidate the extent of the couple’s negligence and the factors that contributed to the devastating outcome for the child. The trial serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the legal obligations that come with safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable infants
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