What started as a mysterious manhunt turned into one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking criminal cases in recent memory.
The story of Constance Marten, a wealthy aristocrat, and her partner, convicted rapist Mark Gordon, spiraled from a nationwide search to a devastating revelation—their infant daughter, Victoria, had died while the couple was hiding from authorities.
Breaking Down in Custody
Newly released police footage has revealed the exact moment Marten was told her baby had been found dead.
At first, she appeared emotionless, but when asked to describe her daughter, she broke down in tears.
The video adds a gut-wrenching element to a case already filled with emotional and legal twists.
A Desperate Attempt to Avoid the System
The couple fled across the UK, determined to keep Victoria away from social services, who had already removed their previous four children due to serious safety concerns.
From January 2023, they evaded capture for nearly two months—travelling from Manchester to East London and eventually living in a tent in the freezing cold South Downs.
The Tragic Discovery
When the couple was finally arrested near Brighton, they refused to say where their baby was.
A massive police search followed, costing £500,000 and involving over 1,000 officer hours.
Tragically, Victoria’s body was found in a shed, wrapped in a nappy and hidden in a Lidl bag among trash.
Experts believe she died from exposure, hypothermia, or potentially co-sleeping in unsafe conditions.
Dramatic Reactions in Court
At the Old Bailey, both Marten and Gordon were found guilty of manslaughter.
As the verdict was read, Gordon shouted that it was “unlawful” and “not over,” while Marten called it “a scam” before storming out.
This was their second trial—during the first, they were already convicted of child cruelty, concealing a birth, and perverting the course of justice.
A Shocking Past Revealed
The case has raised many questions, not just because of the tragedy of Victoria’s death, but because of Gordon’s violent history.
It turns out he was previously convicted in the US of two brutal attacks, including a horrific rape at knifepoint when he was just 14.
Psychologists have compared him to infamous killers like Ted Bundy, describing him as a sociopath driven by power and violence.
Legal Aid Controversy
Despite Marten’s wealth—she’s a trust fund heiress worth over £2.4 million—the couple received taxpayer-funded legal aid.
Their defense included 19 lawyers, reportedly costing over £600,000.
The public and legal experts have questioned how someone of such means could access this support while attempting to claim public benefits and reject a paid-for home.
Repeated Patterns of Abuse and Danger
Gordon’s violent behavior didn’t stop in his teens.
At one point, he reportedly threw a pregnant Marten out of a window during a fight, causing her serious injuries.
A judge later ruled their children were at risk of harm due to this ongoing abuse, yet the couple continued to live on the run.
A Broken System in Need of Reform?
Scotland Yard is now calling for new laws that would allow authorities to act before a child is even born in high-risk situations like this.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said current laws prevent police from intervening until after a baby is born, even when the danger is obvious.
He believes that legal changes could save lives in future cases.
Final Words from the Police
Basford, who led the investigation, said the verdict brought a sense of justice for Victoria, even though it would never bring her back.
“She should have recently celebrated her second birthday,” he said, noting that her death was completely preventable.
He also praised the dedication of officers, the media, and the public who supported the investigation.
Looking Ahead
The couple is set to be sentenced on September 15.
Their case is already under review by a national safeguarding panel to determine if laws should change to better protect vulnerable children—especially those not yet born.