The retrial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon took a dramatic turn as the jury was informed that Gordon’s barristers have decided to withdraw from the case. Judge Mark Lucraft KC announced to the jurors that moving forward, Gordon will be representing himself in court. Marten, 37, and Gordon, 50, have both pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter by gross negligence in the case of their newborn baby, Victoria, whose body was discovered in a shopping bag in a shed on a Brighton allotment in March 2023. In a previous trial, the couple were convicted of concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice by failing to report her death.
Throughout the retrial at the Old Bailey in London, Marten has been providing her testimony while Gordon’s legal team were expected to cross-examine her. However, the jurors were informed that Gordon will now be personally asking the questions, though he will first seek approval from the judge as he is not a trained lawyer. The proceedings were adjourned until midday on Wednesday to allow for this change in approach. Both Gordon and Marten also refute allegations of causing or allowing the death of a child. Marten had previously recounted to the jury that she inadvertently fell asleep with Victoria while camping on the South Downs near Newhaven in a tent purchased from Argos, waking up to discover her baby had passed away.
The trial is ongoing with Marten’s testimony shedding light on the tragic events leading up to Victoria’s death. Gordon’s decision to represent himself adds a new dynamic to the legal proceedings and raises uncertainties about the direction the trial will take. Despite the challenges presented by these unforeseen circumstances, the judicial process continues as the court aims to uncover the truth behind the untimely demise of baby Victoria. The outcome of this retrial remains uncertain as the defense and prosecution navigate through the complexities of the case
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