An aristocrat accused of killing her new-born baby told the Old Bailey she is “absolutely not guilty” as she and her partner appeared in the dock to deny all charges. Constance Marten and Mark Gordon are accused of the manslaughter of baby Victoria, who was found dead in Brighton on March 1 at the end of a lengthy search for the couple. The baby’s remains were discovered in a plastic bag in a locked shed at an overgrown allotment in the Hollingbury area of the East Sussex seaside city.
The couple appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey on Thursday afternoon to enter pleas to a series of charges.
To the charge of manslaughter, Marten appeared emotional as she replied “definitely not guilty”, and she twice repeated “absolutely not guilty” to the cruelty and causing the death of a child allegations.
Gordon, separated from Marten by a court security guard, shouted all five of his not guilty pleas.
The couple could be seen chatting to each other in the early stages of the court hearing before Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London.
Shortly before the end of the hearing, the judge admonished the couple after they continued talking during legal submissions.
"Would the defendant mind not having a private conversation", he said. "This is your trial.
"It is not very courteous to the court or indeed you counsel."
A trial is due to start on January 2 next year.
Marten was seen blowing a kiss and waving to Gordon as she left the dock.
The couple were charged in March after a manhunt which lasted for several weeks.
Marten, who hails from a wealthy aristocratic family with members who have served the Royal Family, grew up at Crichel House, the family seat in north Dorset.
According to the charges, they are accused of neglect in the days after the baby – referred to in court as Baby A – was born, and they face an allegation of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Both defendants, of no fixed address, have been held in custody since they were charged. A further hearing in the case has been set for December 8.
