Baby death: couple appear in court charged with manslaughter

The baby girl called Victoria was found in an allotment shed in Brighton

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon
Author: Jason BeckPublished 3rd Mar 2023
Last updated 3rd Mar 2023

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with manslaughter following the discovery of a baby's remains in Brighton.

Crawley Magistrates' Court was told the remains were found in a plastic bag under some nappies in an allotment shed in Hollingdean.

The couple appeared in court accused of three charges, including concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice.

Marten, 35, and Gordon, 48, spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and that they were of no fixed abode.

The aristocrat, who is originally from Dorset, and her partner were charged on Thursday after the baby's remains were found on Wednesday afternoon following a major search.

A post-mortem examination held on Friday, 3 March, was unable to establish a cause of death and further tests will take place.

The pair will appear at the Old Bailey on March 31.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on the hour, every hour, at Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Radio Tay app, on your DAB radio, online at TAYFM.co.uk, or say ‘Play TAY FM’ on your Smart Speaker.