Aristocrat and boyfriend 'carried baby around in Lidl bag in fatal runaway bid'

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are currently facing a legal case at the Old Bailey.

The Old Bailey revealed that a wealthy person and her partner committed the heinous act of killing their newborn daughter by making the self-centered and conceited choice to flee from the law during a harsh winter season.

Last December, Constance Marten (36) and Mark Gordon (48) attracted national attention when they disappeared, claiming that they were trying to prevent their baby from being placed in custody. The incident led to a nationwide search.

Some reports indicate that Baby A passed away due to neglect from her parents while they were avoiding authorities and spending time outside during the winter season. The family apparently lacked proper clothing and warmth, and barely had enough food to eat.

It is claimed that the infant was being transported in a Lidl reusable bag during the final moments of her life.

According to Tom Little KC, the case gained widespread attention in the media when authorities were searching for the suspect from December 2022 to February 2023.

According to Mr Little, the pair left the deceased infant's remains in a shopping bag and left it in a disused shed amidst a pile of litter.

During the trial, he informed the jurors that the focus is on the death of a baby girl, which could have been prevented. The baby girl could have still been alive if the parents had not acted recklessly, selfishly, cruelly, arrogantly, and negligently. These two defendants are responsible for the death of their own child.

He stated that their priority was their relationship and perspective towards life instead of the well-being of a small infant girl.

The Hollingbury section of Brighton was where the authorities discovered the body of the infant. This was after a prolonged search for the couple who had gone missing with the baby. The prosecutor claimed that the couple neglected their responsibility to protect and care for the helpless infant, and instead chose to make their own misguided decisions.

The courtroom was illustrated by a skilled illustrator who captured Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who were sitting alongside a court official in the dock during a previous court appearance at the Old Bailey. This sketch was created by Elizabeth Cook/PA.

They came to the conclusion that they were more knowledgeable than anyone else.

Regardless of their identity, they made a choice to disregard the guidance they had received earlier. They made the decision to withhold the essential needs of the baby - such as warmth, protection, and sustenance - during the middle of a harsh winter and perilous weather conditions, which eventually endangered the child's safety.

They completely disconnected from electricity and technology and resided in a canvas shelter without adequate clothing, lacking the resources to stay dry and warm, and with very little sustenance.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Marten belongs to a rich aristocratic family in Dorset. His family has members who have provided their services to the Royal Family. Marten and Gordon have been involved in a romantic relationship since approximately 2016. When they disappeared, it was found out that they did not have a fixed residence.

According to Mr. Little, Marten and Gordon had already lost four of their children to the authorities. When Marten became pregnant with their fifth child in the beginning of 2022, they were aware that the child would also be taken away and placed in care.

According to reports, they hid the fact that the woman was pregnant from their loved ones, acquaintances, and even medical experts such as midwives and healthcare providers.

Mr Little stated that their self-centered wish to retain their infant daughter directly resulted in the tragic demise of said baby.

They decided to flee and kept on moving. The woman gave birth to their child while they were on the run. They didn't get any medical help before, during, or after the birth, nor did they register the birth of the child. They kept changing their whereabouts frequently.

A year ago, when the authorities were searching for them and it was all over the news, the couple became more selfish and careless, putting the baby in danger.

They began their camping trip in cold and hazardous weather on the South Downs, without enough clothes, gear, or sustenance. They did not ask for medical help or support at any point.

Their extreme carelessness and blatantly hazardous behavior resulted in the tragic loss of their infant daughter, and now they are standing trial in front of you at the Old Bailey.

The infant had no possibility of survival.

Following the death of their infant, the accused chose not to report to authorities and decided to go into hiding. They left the deceased baby in a bag for shopping, surrounded by garbage, and abandoned her in an unlocked shed, making it seem like a piece of waste.

The jurors were told that the exact date when the baby was born is uncertain and only known by the accused individuals present in the courtroom.

According to the police, Marten and Gordon's supposed whereabouts were traced by the court, highlighting a trip that included several locations such as London, Essex, South Yorkshire, Bolton, and the South Coast.

On December 19, 2022, Gordon visited a police station located in Sheffield. The day after that, he made arrangements to stay at a vacation house in Northumberland.

According to Mr. Little, the cottage was abandoned in a rush and was in a revolting condition with scattered food leftovers, garbage, and marks of urine. However, the bedsheets were cleaned.

On December 26th (Boxing Day), Gordon made a stop at a police station located in Leeds. However, two days later on December 28th, while driving on the M18 in Doncaster, the couple experienced car trouble.

During court proceedings, it was mentioned that an employee from a recovery company had stated that he had noticed signs indicating that the couple was residing in their vehicle. However, he did not come across any proof of a baby during his observations.

Mr. Little urged everyone to assess any claim that the baby was born during that period with careful scrutiny. If indeed the baby was born, then where did it happen that particular evening? The vehicle was brought to a location in Leeds, and the whereabouts of the couple from that point onwards remains a mystery until January 4th of the previous year when they stayed at an IBIS hotel in Lymm, Cheshire. Later that same day, they moved to a hotel in Manchester.

The couple experienced a vehicle malfunction and subsequent ignition of flames while utilizing a Peugeot 206 on the M61 in Greater Manchester. This event occurred on January 5th.

According to Mr Little, the pair ran away from the scene but abandoned many disposable mobile phones, Marten's passport found in the charred vehicle, and disposed of bags full of clothes and baby diapers in a field close by.

Mr. Little mentioned that there was a placenta found inside the charred vehicle, while it was covered in a towel.

The pregnancy of the defendants was kept a secret from their friends, family, and healthcare workers. Nobody was informed about it.

The discovery of the placenta indicated the presence of an infant, and it is this infant girl who is central to the matter at hand.

According to reports, the pair walked across fields before getting a ride to Morrisons in Bolton from a passerby driving a car. Supposedly, security cameras captured Marten with the baby concealed under her jacket while inside the supermarket.

The pair later journeyed to Liverpool, where they were brought by a cab close to the Liverpool Town Hall. From there, they proceeded to travel a lengthy distance of hundreds of miles to reach Harwich in Essex.

As per reports, Marten reportedly provided an incorrect name while registering at a hotel. Furthermore, Mr. Little stated that the couple is suspected of trying to exit the country with their infant, either by planning or attempting to do so.

According to Mr. Little, they were seen close to the Harwich port on January 7th. One individual approached them and inquired if they were the couple that was reported missing in the news. However, they declined to confirm their identity as the missing duo.

Next, Marten and Gordon made their way to Colchester.

The prosecutor stated that it is obvious they have no desire to remain in a single place for a long time, likely due to the fear of being identified.

The members of the jury were informed that the CCTV footage obtained by the authorities depicted the baby being active and alive during the first month of this year.

On January 7th, the couple visited a donor kebab shop in East Ham, Germany. During their visit, Gordon purchased a stroller and a pacifier from Boots.

Reportedly, they utilized a taxi to reach Whitechapel. Once there, they procured a "slender, delicate" tent, cushions, and sleeping bags from Argos.

That evening, the pair dined at a restaurant located on Brick Lane. While there, the staff of the establishment became aware of the presence of their infant child. According to reports, the couple then abandoned the newly purchased baby stroller.

Mr. Little stated that currently it seems that the youngster was relocated and transported in a sturdy red Lidl reusable bag for a considerable amount of time before its demise.

The defendants should have realized that the way they were treating the child was completely unsuitable. It is important to keep in mind the time of year and the weather when discussing this case.

Freezing temperatures can be quite a challenge when it comes to camping. However, with the right gear and attitude, it can be a memorable experience. Firstly, it's important to have the right gear to keep you warm, such as a four-season tent, a warm sleeping bag, and layers of warm clothes. It's also important to stay hydrated and well-fed to keep your body fueled and warm. One of the biggest challenges of camping in freezing temperatures is starting a fire. It's important to bring a fire starter kit and gather dry wood to get the fire going. This not only provides warmth but also a means of cooking food and boiling water. Another thing to keep in mind is to stay active. Physical activity generates heat, so take a hike or do some snowshoeing to keep your blood flowing and body temperature up. As always, it's important to be mindful of safety. Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. A satellite phone or emergency device can come in handy in case of an emergency. In summary, camping in freezing temperatures can be an exciting and rewarding experience with the right gear and mindset. Stay warm, hydrated, active, and always prioritize safety.

During the trial, Mr Little informed the jury that they would be presented with elaborate proof of the climate circumstances that were prevalent on the South Downs the previous winter. This was the period when Marten, Gordon, and their infant were said to have been residing outdoors for a span of one month.

He mentioned that on numerous occasions, the weather was extremely cold, with strong winds and rainfall.

When a baby is newly born and kept in a tent during winter, there is a very high chance of them passing away due to the cold weather.

Mid-January saw the spotting of the couple's tent in the vicinity of East Sussex's Seven Sisters cliffs, while a person out walking their dog spotted them again a month later close to Hollingbury Golf Course.

A person who claimed to have seen the tent in Brighton remarked, "Those people must either be extremely cold or completely insane."

Reportedly, Marten was spotted holding an infant on February 19. The baby appeared to have difficulty holding its head steady, and was not wearing a hat, blanket or socks.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that an individual who spotted the tent situated in the park made a remark regarding the courage it would take to slumber in that tent overnight with such inclimate weather conditions.

Mr Little exclaimed that one might consider it as the biggest understatement of the whole century.

That was not a courageous act; instead, it was exceedingly foolish, careless, and undoubtedly hazardous.

Authorities have erected crime scene tape around a group of small plots of land located in the northern part of Shenfield Way, in close proximity to where remains were discovered during the quest for Constance Marten and Mark Gordon's missing infant in Brighton, East Sussex. The couple was taken into custody on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after being intercepted in Brighton on Monday with no baby in their presence, after going to great lengths to evade law enforcement for an extended period. This photograph was taken on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

On February 20, Marten and Gordon were seen with a Lidl bag that can be reused many times. They were attempting to enter Hollingbury Golf Club without permission, and scavenging for leftover food in the car park's trash cans.

"Do you see what this reveals about the circumstances and their mindset?" inquired the lawyer.

The weather is extremely chilly causing people to attempt to force their way inside for warmth. Additionally, due to extreme hunger, they are foraging for sustenance from the waste containers.

He informed the members of the jury that Marten had access to a significant sum of money, which enabled them to travel and make purchases with ease. However, it is alleged that she chose not to use her bank cards in order to avoid being caught.

He mentioned that they possess money and are in proximity to Brighton. Furthermore, they have the option to visit a hospital or police station if necessary. If they require assistance, they can contact the authorities or Mr. Marten's family. However, they choose not to utilize any of these resources.

On February 27, the pair got caught attempting to steal something in Brighton. This happened when the infant had already passed away, and as a result, they were both taken into custody.

According to Mr Little, the couple declined to provide any information at first, including the whereabouts of their baby. Then, Marten was charged with altering her responses to law enforcement in accordance with the available proof.

She asserted that the infant, whom she called Victoria, was delivered on December 24, 2022, and succumbed three days following the vehicle inferno, but purportedly amended the passing date to one week post the blaze.

According to Mr. Little, the date of the baby's death was finally decided to be January 11. However, he also informed the jurors that Marten might have lied to benefit herself since there was a sighting of the little girl on February 19.

During the interview, she declared that she had maintained the infant's warmth, security, and well-being, and indicated that the young girl had passed away while she was sleeping.

Marten declared that she had transported the corpse following its passing because she desired an examination by a professional in order to determine the ideal method for its final disposition, whether that be burial or cremation.

During Marten's interview with the police, it was revealed in court that she mentioned she and Gordon had discussed informing the authorities that their baby had passed away due to "cot death".

During the court session, Mr. Little conveyed that the evidence suggests that the two culprits had conversed about fabricating false information about the death in order to escape responsibility for it.

"Why would someone do that if they have nothing to hide? And why did they not report the death if they have nothing to hide?"

During extensive talks with the police, Marten revealed her ideas about what to do with the infant's remains while they were fleeing.

"I've been struggling to make a decision," she said. "I'm unsure whether to bury her in the forest. I did consider burying her here, and even got a spade from the allotment, but I didn't have enough energy to dig deep due to my lack of food. Additionally, I wanted to ensure that we had a proper investigation into her death in case anyone asked about the baby's whereabouts. So, I've been debating what to do."

She kept talking and said that she was concerned that if she buried the body in the woods, an animal might find it and damage her limbs. Therefore, she didn't want to take the risk and thought of giving her a decent burial. Due to confusion, they ended up carrying the body, as they had no idea what to do with it.

She has got dirt on her, as though it is contained in a bag and it is clear that the bag has become very weighty. I am unsure why her body has reacted in this way as I believe she is quite light, but it has proven to be a challenge to transport her.

The weight is unbearable to lift...it reached a stage where she became incredibly heavy, the bag became unmanageable to hold, I'm not sure why I haven't examined the contents yet, nor has Mark, but the weight was simply too much."

Mark and I were extremely hungry and couldn't bear the weight of our food anymore, leading us to leave it either in the tent or at the allotment. The food was just too heavy for us, forcing us to abandon it on occasion.

Additionally, I covered her up with soil. The reason being, it had developed an unpleasant odor a week earlier. That's when I realized that action had to be taken, and I had to decide what to do. So, I decided to cover her with earth.

The body wasn't emitting any odor until the week prior to our capture.

Gordon informed the authorities that he had tried to revive the infant and claimed that Marten was experiencing "post-traumatic stress."

Gordon added, "It was impossible to predict or foresee that event."

In court, Mr Little stated that no one could have predicted the death of the newborn baby. Is that really the case though? The baby was left out in the freezing cold with no assistance sought. The danger was clearly glaring and evident to anyone's eyes.

The historical account of dishonesty and deceitful behavior Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of people engaging in deceptive actions and telling lies. From the Trojan Horse to political scandals, it seems that some individuals will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means lying and misleading others. These dishonest actions can have significant consequences for both the person telling the lie and those who are impacted by it. While it may initially seem like a quick and easy solution to a problem, the truth always has a way of coming out in the end. Therefore, it's much better to be honest and upfront with others rather than resorting to lies and deception.

During the trial, the jury learned that Marten used a false name, Isabella O'Brien, and pretended to belong to a group of people who travel frequently, and even changed her accent to Irish when she interacted with healthcare workers in 2017.

She stated that she was separated from her family because they did not approve of her romantic involvement with Gordon.

According to Mr. Little, she admitted that they were staying in a vehicle designed for camping, mentioned that they had accumulated a significant sum of money owed for parking violations, and confessed her intention to pretend to be a migrant in order to access welfare benefits and housing assistance.

According to the prosecutor, when the authority visited the tent where the couple resided, there were worries.

She observed that the tent had a design that was intended for music festivals and not ideal for keeping warm during chilly nights.

The tent was bent due to the heaviness of the rainwater and had a musty odor."

Several garbage bags, coloured black, were stuffed with garments both indoors and outdoors.

The beddings in the tent were moist and chilly. Urine containers were placed at the entrance of the shelter. Mr. Little told the juror, "I'm sure you understand why I'm explaining this information about the circumstances. This includes a collection of falsehoods and trickeries that Marten was involved in. Moreover, it forms part of the proof that the defendants were forewarned about the perilous and problematic situations that their actions in early 2023 could have led to the likelihood of death."

The two accused persons, who do not have a permanent residence, refuse to accept the charges of causing someone's death through careless and reckless behavior, obstructing the legal process, hiding the birth of a child, mistreating a child, and being responsible for the death of a child.

Gordon is currently seated in the defendant's area, and the jury has been informed that Marten will not be attending the court hearing on Thursday, although he is aware of the details presented in the prosecution's opening statement.

The hearing will proceed on Friday.