Couple jailed for 14 years after their newborn baby died in a tent

Two parents who caused the death of their newborn baby after taking her to live in a tent in wintry conditions to evade social services have each been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

- Kevin Rawlinson

Constance Marten and Mark Gordon went off the grid in late 2022. Their four older children had previously been taken into care due to concerns for their safety if left with the couple.

The jury in their Old Bailey retrial unanimously found them guilty of manslaughter in July. In their first trial last year, the pair were convicted of perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child and child cruelty.

Sentencing them yesterday, the judge, Mark Lucraft, told them: "It is clear ... neither of you gave much or any thought for the care or love for your baby."

The judge said they had displayed arrogance, adding: "What you did towards baby Victoria can only be described as neglect; neglect of the gravest and most serious type.

"There has been no genuine expression of remorse from either of you." He said they had expressed sadness but "adopted the stance of trying to blame everyone else".

Lucraft jailed the pair for 14 years and handed Gordon a further four years on extended licence.