A woman named Constance Marten, known for her aristocratic background, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the death of her fifth child. While behind bars, she was permitted to organize the funeral arrangements for the infant. Together with her partner Mark Gordon, Marten took the newborn, Victoria, and went into hiding due to fears that the child would be taken into care. The couple had a history of putting their previous children at risk, leading to their placement in foster care.
Marten received assistance from the prison chaplaincy service to plan the funeral for the baby she was convicted of killing due to gross negligence, along with Gordon, who was also found responsible for Victoria’s death. Despite Marten’s confinement in Houseblock Four of HMP Bronzefield, she expressed dissatisfaction to fellow inmates about not being allowed to attend the funeral in person.
During the trial, it was revealed that Victoria’s body was discovered concealed in a discarded bag at an allotment in Brighton. The couple had been on the run with the child, traveling extensively across the country, before settling in a tent on the South Downs where the tragic incident occurred. Marten, who comes from a wealthy family background, expressed regret over the death of Victoria but denied any neglect in caring for the child.
Ultimately, Marten and Gordon were both found equally responsible for Victoria’s death and were sentenced to 14 years in prison. Additionally, they received further sentences for perverting the course of justice and neglect. The judge criticized their lack of remorse and stated that their actions constituted neglect towards the vulnerable baby.