An affluent individual has been granted legal aid for her trial and family court dispute involving her older children, despite possessing a £2.4 million trust fund.
The individual, Constance Marten, 38, revealed plans to access her trust fund while incarcerated, boasting about her future spending freedom. Marten, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the death of her infant, stands to benefit from another fund set to mature when she reaches 40. Taxpayers have covered the costs of their legal proceedings, including trials at the Old Bailey, family court matters, and an upcoming appeal, despite Marten’s substantial trust funds and the £18,000 in her personal Metrobank account at the time of her arrest.
Marten and her partner, Gordon, 51, evaded authorities with their newborn in 2023 to avoid child protection services, leading to a nationwide manhunt costing £1.2 million. Their four older children had already been removed by social services before they absconded. Marten, who received assistance from the prison chaplaincy service for her daughter’s funeral, was sentenced to 14 years for her actions, criticized by the judge for their arrogance and disregard for others.
Financial records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the couple has claimed over £400,000 in legal aid, with expected costs exceeding £600,000. Gordon alone has received £367,210 in legal aid, covering various legal expenses related to their case. Both Marten and Gordon were found guilty of several charges, including manslaughter by gross negligence and perverting the course of justice, following the lengthy two-year legal battle.
During the sentencing, it was disclosed that Marten had been discussing her wealth while in custody, anticipating access to her trust funds in the future. The judge highlighted Marten’s remarks about forthcoming financial access, emphasizing her conversation about accessing money from separate trusts.