A noblewoman named Constance Marten, 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, Victoria, was taken on the run by Marten and her partner Mark Gordon to avoid the child being taken into care. Marten and Gordon, who had a history of endangering their first four children, including placing two up for adoption at birth, took Victoria to live in a tent on the South Downs where she tragically passed away.

Reports have emerged that Marten received assistance from the prison chaplaincy service in arranging the funeral for the baby she was convicted of negligently causing the death of, along with Gordon, who was also found responsible for Victoria’s demise. Inside sources at HMP Bronzefield disclosed that Marten, housed in Houseblock Four alongside other individuals convicted of child-related crimes, expressed dissatisfaction to fellow inmates about not being allowed to attend the funeral in person.

An HMP Bronzefield spokesperson emphasized the prison’s commitment to providing emotional and spiritual support to all inmates, without specific reference to individuals. During the trial, it was revealed that Victoria’s body was discovered hidden in a discarded bag at an allotment in Brighton, following a tumultuous period where Marten and Gordon evaded authorities by traveling across various locations in the country.

Marten, hailing from a wealthy background, faced accusations of neglect and inadequacy in caring for Victoria, who tragically perished under distressing circumstances. The court proceedings shed light on the couple’s troubled history, including Gordon’s criminal past in the United States, which further underscored the severity of the tragic events leading to Victoria’s untimely death.

Ultimately, Marten and Gordon were both held equally responsible for their daughter’s demise, receiving a 14-year prison sentence each, with Gordon receiving an additional four years on extended license for manslaughter. In addition, they were each handed concurrent sentences for perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, and neglect.