Constance Marten and Mark Gordon: Jury in child murder trial discharged

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The jury in the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon has been dismissed.

The pair were charged after their newborn child, Victoria, was found dead on an allotment in Brighton last March. Marten, 37, and Gordon, 50, went on trial at the Old Bailey in January after they were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence, causing or allowing the death of a child, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and perverting the course of justice. Marten and Gordon were arrested in February 2023, before a high-profile search was launched for the then-missing child. Victoria was found days after their arrest.

The pair denied all charges. The jury began deliberation on April 30 and has been discharged after more than 72 hours of of deliberation.

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Judge Mark Lucraft KC gave his “sincere and heartfelt thanks” to those who served on the jury for their “truly exceptional” dedication. He added: “Please do not feel that you have failed in any way.”

Jurors who served during the trial have been given the option of a lifetime exemption from jury service. Marten and Gordon may face a retrial as a result of the jury being discharged.

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