Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been jailed for 14 years each over the tragic death of their newborn, Victoria. Found dead in a carrier bag in Brighton in 2023, baby Victoria endured a grim fate after her parents fled authorities for two months, fearing she’d be taken into care like her siblings. The Old Bailey heard the heartbreaking case where Marten, 38, and Gordon, 51, were found guilty of manslaughter, child cruelty, and more. The judge ruled Victoria’s death stemmed from hypothermia due to “significant cold stress.”
Ignoring warnings and failing to show care, the couple’s actions displayed a chilling neglect, worsened by their “disruptive” courtroom antics. Their on-the-run saga began when their car caught fire near Bolton, igniting a nationwide search. Eventually caught in Brighton, police found the baby’s remains in a shed. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke reflected on the devastation, “This selfish act took the life of an innocent baby.”
Despite the exhaustive efforts of officers and the public, the search ended in heartbreak. While the sentencing brings some justice, the sorrow surrounding Victoria’s short life is a harsh reminder of missed opportunities for help. Victoria’s tragedy remains a poignant call for protection and care for the most vulnerable among us.