Court hears details of payments to fugitive aristocrat before on-the-run incident
In a recent court hearing at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that Constance Marten, currently on trial for the death of her baby Victoria, had received a substantial sum of £47,886 from her trust fund in the months leading up to her disappearance with partner Mark Gordon and their newborn child.
The court learned that the payments, facilitated by C. Hoare & Co. solicitors, were made to Marten between September 1, 2022, and January 17, 2023. This revelation came amidst ongoing legal proceedings against Marten and Gordon, who went on the run after their vehicle caught fire near Bolton, Greater Manchester, in January of last year.
Following their escape, the couple, accompanied by their daughter Victoria, resorted to living in a tent, reportedly in an effort to evade authorities after Marten’s other children had been placed in care. Despite their eventual apprehension in Brighton, East Sussex, Marten and Gordon initially remained tight-lipped about Victoria’s whereabouts, leaving investigators in suspense.
Tragically, Victoria’s remains were later discovered in March 2023, concealed within a Lidl supermarket bag inside a disused shed on an allotment.
During the trial, Detective Constable Steve Ferguson, a police financial investigator, shed light on Marten’s financial situation, revealing her status as a beneficiary of a family trust. Marten reportedly received a monthly stipend, with provisions for ad hoc payments upon request.
The court heard that Marten’s monthly allowance initially amounted to £2,500, with additional sums granted for specific purposes such as storage fees and equipment purchases. However, after the incident involving their car, there were no significant card payments recorded, indicating a shift in financial activity.
As the trial progresses, Marten and Gordon, currently of no fixed address, face charges including manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The proceedings at the Old Bailey continue as further details emerge regarding this tragic case.
