An individual of noble descent has been granted legal assistance for her trial and legal proceedings concerning her older children, despite possessing a trust fund valued at £2.4 million.
Constance Marten, aged 38, revealed while in custody that she anticipates accessing her trust fund soon, allowing her to spend the funds as she pleases. Additionally, she is set to benefit from another fund that will become available when she reaches 40. Marten was sentenced to 14 years in prison earlier this month for the tragic demise of her infant.
Taxpayers have had to cover the expenses related to the couple’s trial at the Old Bailey, subsequent retrial, family court matters, and an upcoming appeal, despite the existence of trust funds and the £18,000 in Marten’s personal Metrobank account at the time of her apprehension.
In 2023, Marten and Gordon, aged 51, fled with their newborn daughter Victoria to evade authorities attempting to take her into care, prompting a nationwide manhunt costing £1.2 million. Their four older children had already been taken into protective custody by social services before they absconded with Victoria.
Marten, who received assistance from the prison chaplaincy to arrange Victoria’s funeral, received a 14-year sentence after a judge at the Old Bailey criticized her and Gordon for their arrogance and disregard for others.
Data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveals that the couple has already utilized over £400,000 in legal aid. Legal representatives are yet to submit their final bill, projected to surpass £600,000. Gordon has already utilized £367,210 in legal aid, covering expenses such as legal representation in the initial trial, a custody battle, and the retrial.
Both Marten and Gordon, following a lengthy legal process lasting two years, were found guilty of manslaughter due to gross negligence, child cruelty, obstructing justice, and concealing a child’s birth.
During the sentencing phase, Judge Mark Lucraft disclosed that Marten, a mother of five, had been bragging about her financial assets while in custody. He mentioned, “You also mention another separate trust that you will also have access to.” This statement alluded to her anticipation of acquiring funds from the mentioned trusts in the future.
