An affluent woman, whose infant perished in freezing conditions while evading law enforcement, has pointed fingers at social workers for the tragedy during a peculiar outburst.
During recent remarks to a safeguarding panel, Constance Marten, aged 38, accused social workers of using state authority oppressively to remove her four children and compel her to flee with her fifth baby, Victoria.
The demise of Victoria occurred in January 2023 when Marten and her partner, Mark Gordon, a 51-year-old convicted rapist, kept the infant in a tent in the South Downs to avoid social services shortly after her birth. The infant’s remains were discovered in a disused allotment shed in Brighton two months later.
Both of Victoria’s parents were sentenced to 14 years in prison in September for gross negligence manslaughter, child cruelty, perverting justice, and concealing the birth of their child.
Judge Mark Lucraft, during sentencing at the Old Bailey, criticized the couple, stating they showed little concern for their baby’s well-being, focusing only on themselves.
Following Victoria’s tragic death, a nationwide review of child safeguarding procedures was initiated. Marten expressed to the panel that social services provided ultimatums instead of genuine assistance before her and Gordon’s disappearance.
Marten emphasized her belief that individuals can be supported and transformed, leading to the return and support of children.
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s report urged urgent measures to shield vulnerable unborn babies and infants from similar perils at home. They called for enhanced national directives, better inter-agency information sharing, and adequate resources and training for professionals to safeguard unborn babies and infants from harm.
Recommendations included stricter registration requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, potentially penalizing registered sex offenders who fail to report new relationships or pregnancies.
The Home Office is reportedly reviewing the findings of the report.
Sir David Holmes, chair of the panel, highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding baby Victoria’s death caused by her own parents’ actions. He stressed the need to support parents to better protect vulnerable babies and infants.
The panel’s call for improved national guidelines and enhanced support for parents facing child removal aims to mitigate future harm, emphasizing the importance of preventing cycles of harm and supporting families effectively.
