Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence following a tumultuous series of trials concerning the death of their baby, Victoria. The couple's legal proceedings, which spanned over 18 months, were marked by their apparent affection for one another, despite the serious nature of the charges against them.

The first trial commenced in January 2024, where Marten and Gordon were convicted of concealing the birth of their child, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the more serious charge related to Victoria's death, leading to a retrial that began nine months later.

Throughout both trials, the couple exhibited behaviour that frustrated the court. They frequently disrupted proceedings, with Marten once asking the judge if she could step out for coffee during a witness's testimony. His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft KC expressed his exasperation, noting that their conduct was unbecoming of defendants in such serious circumstances. At one point, he remarked that two teenagers who had previously appeared in his court were "rather better behaved" than Marten and Gordon, despite those teenagers pleading guilty to murder.

The couple's relationship was a focal point during the trials. They often appeared more like a couple in love than co-defendants. Their interactions included playful banter, with Marten jokingly asking Gordon for a birthday present during her trial. Gordon described his feelings for Marten as an "obsession," stating he would do anything for her. He referred to her as "noble" and "beautiful" while giving evidence, declaring, "it was love" between them.

Their affection was evident in the courtroom, where they would hug, kiss, and exchange loving gestures. Marten's face would light up upon seeing Gordon, and they often expressed their love for one another before being led back to their cells.

However, the trials were not without chaos. The couple frequently changed legal representation, leading to delays and complications in their case. At times, they appeared without lawyers, which contributed to the lengthy duration of the trials. Their behaviour and the ongoing disruptions led to accusations of attempting to "sabotage" the legal process.

As the trials concluded, the court was left to reflect on the unusual dynamics of the case, where love and legal turmoil intertwined in a manner rarely seen in such serious criminal proceedings.