Overview

• Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are on trial at the Old Bailey, denying gross negligence manslaughter in the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria, in early 2023.
• Mark Gordon, now self-representing, cross-examined Marten about their decision to flee with their baby to avoid state custody, following the loss of their four older children to social services.
• Marten emotionally defended her actions, asserting that Victoria's death was not due to neglect but remained unable to explain the precise cause of the tragedy, which prosecutors allege was hypothermia or smothering in a tent.
• The couple had been on the run for 54 days in harsh winter conditions before their arrest, with Victoria's body later found in a shopping bag in a Brighton shed.
• Marten also claimed her wealthy family sabotaged her efforts to protect Victoria, alleging prejudice, vehicle tampering, and surveillance by private investigators.