Aristocrat Constance Marten Tearfully Denies Harm to Baby Daughter in Court

Constance Marten, an aristocrat on trial, tearfully refuted allegations of gross negligence manslaughter regarding her newborn daughter, affirming her unwavering love and care for the child in a poignant court testimony. Marten, 36, alongside her partner Mark Gordon, stands accused in the tragic case of their daughter Victoria, who was found deceased under dire circumstances while the couple lived off the grid.

In her emotional testimony at the Old Bailey, Marten recounted the series of events leading to the harrowing discovery of Victoria’s lifeless body inside her coat, as they sought refuge in a tent to evade the scrutiny of a high-profile police search and the prying eyes of private investigators allegedly hired by her family. The couple’s decision to flee followed a fire incident with their car on January 5, sparking a desperate attempt to protect their child from being taken into care, akin to Marten’s four other children.

Marten’s narrative highlighted a fraught journey with Gordon, from meeting in 2014 and marrying in Peru to their collective struggle against family estrangement and surveillance. Their life, marked by efforts to create a “conventional life” away from familial conflicts and the intrusion of social services, took a devastating turn with Victoria’s unexpected death, which Marten described as a moment of indescribable panic and grief.

Facing potential suicide contemplation and a desperate consideration to cremate their daughter in a manner observed in India, Marten and Gordon ultimately could not proceed with the act. The discovery of Victoria’s remains in a disused shed, concealed in a shopping bag amidst rubbish, has since become a focal point of the prosecution’s case, labeling the couple’s actions as “reckless and utterly selfish.”

Marten’s defense strongly emphasized her innocence and dedication to her children, challenging the prosecution’s narrative that she and Gordon prioritized their interests over their children’s welfare. As the trial continues, Marten’s testimony remains a stark portrayal of a mother’s love entangled in a web of tragic circumstances and legal battles.