Constance Marten and Mark Gordon remanded into custody as court hears remains of baby were found in plastic bag
03.03.2023 - 18:33
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have been remanded into custody and charged with manslaughter.
The couple appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court on Friday accused of three charges, including concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice. Marten, 35, and Gordon, 48, only some to confirm their names, dates of birth and that they were of no fixed abode during a short hearing.
The court heard how the remains of a baby were found in a plastic bag under some nappies in an allotment shed. Marten and Gordon were arrested in Stanmer Villas, Brighton, on Monday after police attempted to establish their whereabouts over the course of several weeks.
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A post-mortem examination is due to take place. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, from the Met, previously said officers have been unable to determine the baby’s gender.
The case was referred to the police watchdog by the force, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct said in a statement that it is “currently assessing the referral to determine what, if any, further action is required from us”.
Remanding Marten and Gordon into custody, chairwoman of the bench of magistrates Carol Lintott said: “You are both here today… on charges of manslaughter, concealment of the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice.
“We are sending the case to the crown court sitting at the Old Bailey. We are remanding you in custody until that time.”
The pair will appear at the Old Bailey on March 31.
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