Constance Marten has told the jury at her retrial that she "absolutely" loved her baby daughter and she and Mark Gordon did everything they could to protect her. She also said that her four other children had been "stolen by the state", and described her family, which she did not want to be part of, as "bigoted". Marten, 37, and Mark Gordon, 50, deny gross negligence manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child. They are facing a retrial at the Old Bailey. Marten had been due to start giving evidence on Tuesday but complained of a toothache and headache. In their first trial, they were found guilty of concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice by not reporting the death of their baby. The couple's baby Victoria, their fifth child, was found dead in a shed on a Brighton allotment, in a shopping bag covered in rubbish in March 2023. Her body was so badly decomposed that pathologists could not ascertain the cause of death. Their four other children had previously been taken into care. Giving evidence for the first time on Thursday, Marten was asked by her barrister Mr FitzGibbon KC if she loved her daughter. "Absolutely", Marten replied. "Did you do anything to cause her harm?", Mr FitzGibbon KC asked. "Absolutely not. We did everything we could to protect her", Marten said. She was then asked how she felt now about her daughter's death. Marten said: "I don't think this process has really allowed me to grieve properly. I still feel angry, upset. Still an element of shock". Asked about the couple's four other children Marten said she "loved them extremely." "Not being with them is very, very hard". When Mr FitzGibbon KC asked if she agreed with the decisions made about taking the children away, Marten said "absolutely not… it's an absolute outrage", adding that her children were "stolen by the state". Marten told the jury that since she was little she always wanted to have a big family, adding "at least seven children would be my dream". She said she would have liked to live on a farm. She said she met Mark Gordon about 10 years ago in a shop in East London. "I sort of see it as fate," she said. Asked how she feels about him, she said: "I love him very much", adding that he was "very dear" to her. When asked about whether she would describe her background as privileged, Marten said "financially yes, emotionally not all". She said she tried to introduce Gordon to members of her family, but she found them to be "very cold" towards him. "I have always had a frosty relationship with my family. "They can be quite bigoted. I don't really want to be part of it", she said. "I didn't really grow up with them," she said. "I went to boarding school when I was about eight." She said that when she got pregnant with Victoria, she and Gordon had at first planned to move abroad but her family intervened. As a result, they left their home in London and lived in a series of hotels and bed and breakfasts, she explained, adding that in the week before Christmas 2022, they rented a cottage in Northumberland. On Christmas Eve they went shopping for baby equipment at Primark in Carlisle where she started feeling that the baby was coming. "I started having birth pangs pretty much as we started leaving Carlisle," she said. She drove back to the cottage and said she gave birth leaning against the bed upstairs without medical assistance. "It was a very quick birth actually, Very easy," she said. Two days later the family moved on again. "Obviously it would have been nicer to have been somewhere stable and to have been able to properly relax… but we weren't in that position", she told the jury. Earlier in the trial Gordon declined to give evidence in his defence. Opening the defence for his client John Femi-Ola KC said: "I do not propose to call Mr Gordon." The trial continues.
Constance Marten tells jury she 'absolutely' loved baby
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Constance Marten Testifies About Love for Deceased Daughter in Retrial"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Constance Marten testified in her retrial at the Old Bailey, expressing that she 'absolutely' loved her baby daughter, Victoria, and insisted that she and her partner, Mark Gordon, did everything possible to protect her. Marten's emotional testimony highlighted her feelings of anger and shock regarding her daughter's death, which she attributed to the circumstances surrounding their lifestyle. Victoria's body was discovered in a Brighton allotment, and due to severe decomposition, the cause of death remains unknown. Marten and Gordon, who are both facing charges of gross negligence manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child, had previously been convicted of concealing the birth and failing to report the child's death. Marten's previous children had been taken into care, which she described as an 'absolute outrage', claiming they were 'stolen by the state'.
During her testimony, Marten shared her desire for a large family, expressing that she had always dreamed of having at least seven children. She recounted her unstable living conditions, including stays in hotels and bed and breakfasts after her family intervened in her plans to move abroad with Gordon. Marten described her birth experience with Victoria as quick and easy, occurring in a rented cottage without medical assistance. She reflected on her relationship with her family, describing them as 'bigoted' and expressing a desire to distance herself from them. Despite the challenges faced, Marten conveyed her deep love for her children and her partner, Mark Gordon, whom she described as 'very dear' to her. The trial continues with Gordon opting not to testify in his defense, leaving the jury to consider Marten's statements as they deliberate on the case.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report on Constance Marten's testimony in her retrial reveals a complex emotional landscape, as well as broader societal implications. Marten's powerful declarations about her love for her deceased daughter, Victoria, and her grievances over the state’s actions regarding her other children paint a picture of a troubled individual caught in a tragic situation. This analysis will explore various dimensions of the story, including its potential motivations, public perception, and underlying themes.
Emotional Appeal and Public Sentiment
Marten's statements to the jury serve to evoke sympathy from the public. By asserting her love for her daughter and expressing outrage at the state’s intervention, the narrative positions her as a protective mother who has been wronged. This approach may aim to sway public opinion in her favor, potentially influencing the jury’s perceptions. The framing of her other children as having been "stolen by the state" further emphasizes her victimhood and seeks to create a sense of injustice.
Societal Implications
The case highlights underlying tensions within society regarding parental rights and state intervention. Marten’s characterization of her family as “bigoted” and her rejection of the state’s decisions suggest a critique of societal norms surrounding family structures and child welfare. This could resonate with communities that feel marginalized or judged by prevailing societal standards, creating a rallying point for those who advocate for parental rights.
Manipulation and Narrative Control
While the emotional weight of Marten's testimony is significant, it may also serve to manipulate perceptions. By emphasizing her love and grief, the narrative risks overshadowing the serious nature of the charges against her and Mark Gordon. Such framing could lead to a public narrative that prioritizes emotional response over legal accountability, raising questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
Comparative Context
When compared to other similar cases, this story may share thematic links with narratives surrounding parental struggles, state intervention, and societal judgment. These recurring themes in media coverage often reflect deeper societal anxieties about family, control, and the role of institutions. The portrayal of Marten’s case could thus be part of a larger discourse on these issues.
Potential Economic and Political Consequences
The public reaction to this case could have broader implications, particularly in discussions about child welfare policies and state powers. If Marten’s narrative gains traction, it could influence public opinion and policy changes regarding the intervention of child protective services. This may also affect political discourse, especially in contexts where family rights and state intervention are hotly debated.
Community Support and Target Audience
Marten’s situation may resonate more strongly with specific community groups that have experienced similar struggles with state intervention or have faced stigma related to family structures. This connection could lead to increased support from advocacy groups focused on parental rights and child welfare reform.
Market Implications
While this specific case may not directly influence stock markets, the broader implications surrounding child welfare policies and state intervention could impact sectors related to social services and legal industries. Companies involved in child welfare, social work, and legal representation may see shifts in public sentiment that could affect their operations and market positions.
Global Context and Relevance
This case, while localized, reflects universal themes of parental rights and state authority, making it relevant in a global context. As societies grapple with these issues, the emotional narratives surrounding cases like Marten's can influence public discourse and policy worldwide.
AI Influence on Reporting
There is potential for AI models to assist in shaping narratives in journalism, particularly in structuring emotional appeals or emphasizing certain aspects of a story. However, the extent of AI's involvement in this specific report cannot be definitively determined without further information. The language used may reflect AI's capability to highlight emotional resonance, but it is also shaped by human editorial decisions.
In conclusion, the report on Constance Marten’s trial serves multiple purposes, from evoking sympathy to critiquing societal norms surrounding family and state intervention. While the emotional narrative is compelling, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective on the legal implications of the case. Overall, the credibility of the article hinges on its ability to present facts while navigating the emotional complexities involved.