Parents Convicted of Manslaughter After Baby Dies in Freezing Tent
Published 14 July 2025
Highlights
- Mark Gordon and Constance Marten were found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after their baby, Victoria, died in a tent in freezing conditions.
- Gordon's criminal history includes a rape conviction in the US at age 14, for which he served 20 years before deportation to the UK.
- The couple's trials were marked by disruptive behavior, including attempts to sabotage proceedings and frequent absences from court.
- Court documents reveal a history of evading social services, with their first four children taken into care due to concerns over their safety.
- Despite access to substantial funds, Marten and Gordon chose to live off-grid, leading to the tragic death of their newborn daughter.
In a case that has gripped the UK, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The couple, who had previously evaded social services, were convicted at the Old Bailey after a tumultuous retrial that highlighted their reckless disregard for their child's safety.
A Troubled Past
Mark Gordon, 51, has a criminal history that dates back to his teenage years. At 14, he was convicted of raping a neighbor at knifepoint in Miami, a crime for which he served 20 years in a US prison before being deported to the UK. His past was not disclosed during the couple's initial trial but emerged during the retrial, adding a chilling context to the proceedings.
Chaotic Courtroom Drama
The trials of Marten and Gordon were fraught with disruptions. The couple frequently failed to appear in court, dismissed numerous barristers, and engaged in behavior that Judge Mark Lucraft KC described as an attempt to "sabotage" the legal process. Their actions extended the trials by months and left the courtroom in disarray.
A Life on the Run
Court documents reveal a pattern of evasion and neglect. Marten and Gordon's first four children were taken into care amid concerns for their welfare. Despite having access to a trust fund, the couple chose to live off-grid, fleeing to avoid further intervention from child protection services. Their decision to live in a tent during winter ultimately led to Victoria's death from suspected hypothermia.
A Tragic Outcome
The prosecution argued that the couple's deliberate actions placed their daughter in "utterly reckless, utterly dangerous" conditions. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, condemned their "selfish actions," stating that Victoria's life was needlessly cut short. The couple is expected to be sentenced in September.
What this might mean
The conviction of Marten and Gordon raises significant questions about the effectiveness of child protection services and the legal system's ability to prevent such tragedies. Their case highlights the challenges authorities face when dealing with individuals who actively evade intervention. As the couple prepares to appeal their conviction, legal experts will closely watch how the justice system addresses the complexities of parental responsibility and the protection of vulnerable children. The outcome could influence future policies and procedures aimed at safeguarding children in similar situations.
