British aristocrat and boyfriend sentenced to 14 years in prison for killing newborn

LONDON — An aristocratic woman from Britain and her partner have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the tragic death of their newborn daughter while evading authorities.

Constance Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 51, were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter in London’s Central Criminal Court. They were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, and child cruelty. Gordon will serve an additional four years on extended license.

The couple sparked a nationwide search when a placenta was discovered on Jan. 5, 2023, in a burned-out car owned by Marten and Gordon near Bolton, England.

They traveled across the country, avoiding detection by using cash for transportation and steering clear of any identifying information. Tragically, their baby, Victoria, died while they were camping in the South Downs.

The infant’s decomposed body was later found in a garden shed in Brighton, concluding a seven-week-long search.

During sentencing, it was determined that the baby died from hypothermia due to exposure to severe cold, dismissing the couple’s claims of an accidental death.

Judge Mark Lucraft criticized Marten and Gordon for their lack of care and concern for their child, highlighting that Victoria’s tragic death could have been prevented.

Marten gave birth to Victoria in secret after their other children had been removed by the courts for their safety.

Following their arrest in Brighton, the couple refused to disclose the baby’s whereabouts.

Despite being on the run, CCTV footage briefly captured Victoria in London wearing the same onesie she was found in later.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford expressed disbelief at the couple’s decision to prioritize evading authorities over providing basic care for their child.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal emphasized the importance of seeking justice for baby Victoria and ensuring accountability for her untimely death.

Marten, hailing from a prominent British family, was a drama student when she met Gordon, who had a criminal history in the U.S. for kidnapping and sexual offenses. After serving time in the U.S., he was deported upon release.