Aristocrat Constance Marten, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the death of her fifth child, was permitted to organize the infant’s funeral while incarcerated. The baby, named Victoria, was taken on the run by Marten and her partner Mark Gordon to avoid child protective services. Marten and Gordon had previously lost custody of their other four children due to safety concerns.
Marten received assistance from the prison chaplaincy service to arrange the funeral for Victoria, whom she was found guilty of killing through gross negligence manslaughter. Despite not being allowed to attend the funeral in person, Marten planned the service but had to watch it via video link from prison.
According to a prison source, Marten expressed disappointment about not being able to physically attend the funeral and shared her experience with fellow inmates. The HMP Bronzefield spokeswoman emphasized the prison’s commitment to providing emotional and spiritual support to all inmates.
The court previously heard that Victoria’s body was discovered hidden in a discarded bag in an allotment shed in Brighton. Marten and Gordon had evaded authorities by traveling across different locations before Victoria’s tragic death. The couple faced a retrial after the initial jury could not reach a verdict on all charges.
During the trial, it was revealed that Marten and Gordon camped in harsh conditions on the South Downs with Victoria’s body kept in a bag for days. Marten claimed Victoria’s death was accidental, citing hypothermia or accidental smothering during sleep.
Marten, from a wealthy background, disclosed her strained relationship with her family and her efforts to protect Victoria. The judge criticized Marten and Gordon for their lack of remorse and accountability, sentencing them both to 14 years for manslaughter and additional time for related charges.
The court accepted the prosecution’s argument that Victoria died from hypothermia due to neglect. Marten and Gordon were deemed equally responsible for their daughter’s death and were handed significant prison sentences.