Aristocrat and partner ’caused death of newborn baby carried in Lidl bag’ while on the run, court hears
Newborn Baby Dies After Couple Go Off-Grid, Court Told
Aristocrat Constance Marten and partner Mark Gordon are accused of causing the death of their newborn after fleeing social services with the infant wrapped in a Lidl “bag for life.” The couple went on the run following the removal of their four other children and lived off-grid in brutal winter conditions. Prosecutors claim their secret birth and escape led to the “entirely avoidable” death of their baby daughter.
Frozen and Forgotten: Baby Left in Shopping Bag in South Downs
At the Old Bailey, Prosecutor Tom Little KC revealed chilling details. The baby was hidden in a shopping bag covered in rubbish and exposed to freezing weather conditions in South Downs National Park during early 2023. Mr Little slammed the parents:
“Rather than act in the obvious best interest of a vulnerable baby… they decided they knew best. They deprived their baby of warmth, shelter, food and, ultimately, safety.”
Evading Authorities in ‘Reckless’ Parenting Bid
Marten, 37, and Gordon, 50, reportedly refused all medical support after Marten’s secret December 2022 pregnancy. Instead of seeking help, they spent a fortune on taxis to stay hidden, bought only minimal baby supplies—one Babygro and no hat—and camped in a flimsy tent, scavenging food in harsh conditions. Despite access to funds from Marten’s aristocratic family trust, the couple chose to live rough rather than seek shelter or aid.
Grim Discovery: Baby’s Body Found in Disused Shed
After nearly two months on the run, the pair were arrested on February 27, 2023, following an attempted shoplift by Marten. Police discovered the baby’s body on March 1, wrapped in a plastic bag and dumped beneath rubbish in a disused shed, alongside the blue tent they had used. Prosecutor Little said:
“The lack of clothing and basic care for the baby tells you everything you need to know about the neglect she suffered.”
Facing Manslaughter Charges as Trial Continues
Convicted previously of concealment of birth and perverting justice, Marten and Gordon now face a retrial for manslaughter by gross negligence. They also face charges of causing or allowing the death of a child, both of which they deny. Marten appeared in court dressed sharply, while Gordon may join proceedings via video link.
The trial has gripped the nation, spotlighting serious safeguarding failures and the desperate lengths some parents go to evade social services.
The Old Bailey trial continues.
