By Lucy Caulkett-
Constance Marten,(pictured) the wealthy aristocrat on trial for murder of her new born baby, Victoria, disclosed to the court that she and her partner, Mark Gordon, 49, had advised each other to lie to the police about the circumstances surrounding their baby’s tragic demise.
She said she told her partner to deny being present for fear he would be blamed because he is black.
Victoria’s death occurred while the couple was living off the grid in wintry conditions on the South Downs last year. Marten confessed to jurors that she and Gordon had fled with the baby after their car burst into flames near Bolton, Greater Manchester, in January.
Marten maintains that Victoria died on January 9, shortly after the couple began their off-grid lifestyle.
In a chilling admission, Marten recounted how she advised Gordon to lie to the police, fearing that law enforcement would unfairly blame him, “being a black guy.” She expressed her protective instincts towards her partner, stating, “I thought they were going to automatically blame him, being a black guy, and I am the good one usually.”
During her testimony, Marten revealed her fears of facing multiple charges, explaining, “That was my fear that no matter how innocent I am they are just going to want to prosecute me.” She also detailed the exhausting conditions they faced while living off the grid, culminating in her physical collapse before Victoria’s death.
Jurors heard Marten and Gordon discussing the possibility of handing Victoria over to authorities when she was alive, in a desperate bid to avoid separation from their child.
Marten insisted that their initial plan was to live off-grid for only a day or two, seeking refuge from “prying eyes.” However, their tragic circumstances led to an extended period of living in a tent, which Marten claims was never their intention.
The courtroom was gripped as Marten recounted the devastating impact of Victoria’s death on their motivation and drive, stating, “After Victoria died we sort of lost all our motive and drive because everything we were doing was for her.”
The emotional toll of their loss was palpable as Marten described their arrest in Brighton, where they refused to disclose vital information about Victoria’s whereabouts.
The defendants denying charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child.