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Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Does Constance Marten's time in controversial Nigerian sect hold key to her turn from society girl to convicted killer?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAVING a son become a page to the monarch is one of the great honours for our blue-blooded families. So how did the daughter of aristocrat Napier Marten, who once served Queen Elizabeth in the role, end up eating food scavenged from bins and dumping her dead baby daughter in a Lidl bag in an allotment shed? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Baby killer Constance Marten pictured in her former life Credit: Facebook 11 Church leader TB Joshua 'The Prophet' preaching in 2021 Credit: Alamy 11 Constance was raised at her family's stately home, Crichel House in Dorset Credit: Alamy On the face of it, 38-year-old Constance Marten — who with her partner Mark Gordon, 51, was this week found guilty of the manslaughter of their 16-day-old daughter Victoria by gross negligence — was part of a very exclusive and privileged set. The trust fund heiress, worth £2.4million, appeared as society mag Tatler's 'babe of the month' when she was 18 and partied at the trendy Burning Man festival in the US. She was raised at her family's stately home, Crichel House in Dorset, which was used as a backdrop for 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow movie Emma. Her grandmother, Mary Marten, was a goddaughter of the Queen Mother and played with Princess Margaret as a child. But Constance's parents, Napier, 66, and mum Virginie de Selliers, 65, tried to escape the stuffy world of the upper classes to pursue 'alternative lifestyles'. When Constance, who has three brothers, was nine, Napier renounced his £115million inheritance and left the family to live in Australia, where he had an 'out-of-body experience' while with a group of Aborigines. Then when Constance was 19, her devout Christian mother took her to live with a controversial sect in Nigeria whose leader has been accused of rape and sexual violence. But it was meeting convicted rapist Gordon a decade later that was to see the former aristo begin a complete and tragic turn from her previous life. The couple had four children together, who were all taken into care, before they went on the run from authorities in January 2023 when she was pregnant with Victoria. At the time, Napier made a public appeal to her, saying: 'I would like you to understand that the family will do all that is needed for your wellbeing. Harrowing moment cop find remains of Constance Marten's baby Victoria stuffed in Lidl bag filled with rubbish 'I also wish you to understand you are much, much loved, whatever the circumstances.' A nationwide police search was launched when a placenta was found in the couple's burnt-out car at a motorway near Bolton on January 5, 2023. Two months later, Victoria's body was found in a shopping bag in a allotment shed in Brighton. It is believed she died of hyperthermia due to freezing conditions, with the couple living in a tent and scavenging for food. The horrific death is not the first controversy for the Marten family. Ancestor Sir Humphrey Sturt, who was the second Lord Alington, had an infamous affair with Queen Camilla's great-gran Alice Keppel. When Constance's great-grandfather, RAF Captain Napier Sturt, died aged 43 in an Egyptian hotel in 1940, his daughter Mary inherited the family estate. 11 Constance in a police photo after being arrested in 2023 Credit: AFP 11 She met convicted rapist Mark Gordon in a shop in London in 2014 Credit: AFP She joined the Buckingham Palace Brownies unit with Princess Margaret and later married Royal Navy lieutenant commander Toby Marten. Their son Napier, though, felt his life was 'an empty shell'. He once said that every day he heard a voice telling him 'to shave my head and go to Australia'. This he did in 1996, leaving Belgian-born Virginie to look after their four children. A couple of years later she married wealthy banker Guy de Selliers, who raised Constance. The daughter, nicknamed Toots, was sent to the now-closed £30,000-a-year St Mary's Roman Catholic boarding school for girls in Dorset. Soon after she finished there, Virginie took her to the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria. Your character is completely broken apart, and it is difficult to explain to others. Constance writing about time in sect in 2013 blog It has been reported that she wished to instil some discipline into the free-spirited teenager. Virginie, who also took her daughter to religious summer camps in Britain, was one of many wealthy Western Europeans recruited to make a 'pilgrimage' to the church in Lagos in 2006. It was led by a charismatic pastor called TB Joshua, who claimed to heal sick people. The former poultry farm worker was known as The Prophet and 50,000 people would attend his services every week. Virginie is said to have only stayed for a week, but Constance remained in Lagos for three months. At that time the outside world was unaware of the terrible crimes alleged to have been committed by Joshua, who died four years ago aged 57. One of his followers Bisola Johnson claimed in 2019: 'I was sexually molested by TB Joshua. 'I was trapped in Synagogue Church for 14 years.' Others have since alleged that Joshua raped and sexually assaulted them. 11 Constance's grandmother with a young Queen Elizabeth II (centre) and Princess Margaret (left) at a birthday party in 1935 Credit: Getty 11 Princess Anne (left) and Constance's aunt (right) being bridesmaids for Lady Mountbatten in 1960 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It has also emerged that women were expected to be naked in their dormitory and were restricted to four hours' sleep a night. Bisola remembered Constance, who she said: 'Took quite a lot of suppression to make her conform.' That independent mind lingered long enough for Constance to leave. The damage, though, had been done. Commenting about her time there in a blog in 2013, she wrote: 'Your character is completely broken apart, and it is difficult to explain to others.' Friends claimed that Constance was never the same after her escape from Joshua's clutches. After gaining a degree in Arabic studies from Leeds University, she travelled the world, spending a year in Egypt. She then studied journalism for a year before trying her hand at acting and switching to drama. But she dropped out of her course after meeting Gordon in a shop in London in 2014 before travelling with him to Peru in 2016. There they went through an unofficial marriage ritual. On her return to England, she told her friends and family that she did not want to be contacted again because she was going to live her life in a 'different way'. Searching for meaning with Gordon was even more of a mistake than anyone seeking enlightenment with JB Joshua. 11 Constance's father Napier as The Queen's page in 1975, with former Prince Charles, now King, pictured on the right Credit: Getty 11 Virginie and her son at 2014 trial Credit: PA Unknown to Constance, her new boyfriend had been convicted of raping and abusing a woman at knifepoint over more than four hours in Florida in 1989. Aged 14 at the time of the offence, Gordon was given a 40-year prison sentence but only served half of it. Gordon is said to have controlled all aspects of Constance's life, including where she went and who she messaged. In disturbing echoes of her time with the religious sect she called Gordon 'Daddy Bear'. JB Joshua had insisted his disciples called him 'Daddy'. In November 2019 Constance ruptured her spleen and damaged her kidney when she fell out of a first-floor window while 14 weeks pregnant. Gordon was suspected of pushing her. Trust fund Before their eventual arrest in 2023, the couple were claiming benefits and sleeping rough while camped on wasteland behind a Tesco store. But Constance was still receiving £3,400 a month from a trust fund. Despite dad Napier turning his back on the 5,000-acre Crichel estate, including four villages, that he was supposed to inherit and choosing to become a tree surgeon and live in a converted shipping container, there was still plenty of money for his children. In 2013, Crichel House and parts of the land were sold to American billionaire Richard Chilton for £34million. Constance's parents tried to buy her a home and offered to look after her children when they were taken into care by social services. But she shunned their help. With bailiffs pursuing Constance and Gordon for £25,000 in debts, they moved from rented property to rented property, leaving even more bills behind. During her trial this month, Constance tried to claim she had to go on the run with her newborn because her parents were so opposed to her relationship with Gordon. She told the jury: 'I had to escape my family because my family are extremely oppressive and bigoted and they wouldn't allow me to have children with my husband. 11 Constance attending a pre-Wimbledon party in 2012 with a friend Credit: Alamy 11 Constance's father Napier in his new life Credit: Youtube/Napier Marten 'They'll do anything to erase that child from the family line, which is what they ended up doing.' Constance and Gordon were first tried in 2024, with Constance's mum Virginie turning up in court every day. In that trial, a jury found they had wilfully neglected baby Victoria. But they could not reach a verdict on charges of manslaughter, so the couple had to be retried this month. Having been found guilty on Monday of that more serious offence they now await sentencing. But with Judge Mark Lucraft KC blasting Marten and Gordon for the way they attempted to disrupt proceedings throughout the case, neither of them can expect leniency. Constance spent the latter years of her life seemingly trying to free herself from the expectations of the gilded life of her class. Now she seems certain to find herself constrained by the four small walls of a prison cell for years to come.
Pink Villa
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet locks release date with intense trailer ft Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Jisoo and more
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is an upcoming action-fantasy film featuring an ensemble cast. On June 16, its production team confirmed the release date and dropped the official trailer and posters, heightening anticipation for its release. Set in a dystopian world, blurring the line between fantasy and reality, this movie is set to offer an unique viewer experience. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet unveiled posters The fantasy action thriller film stars Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, Chae Soo Bin, Nana and Shin Seung Ho in lead roles. In the posters, each of them have their gazes fixed at the bizarre happenings following a novel world taking over the real world. Their expressions show worries of whether they will be able to save humanity from the clutches of the novel's monsters. Little Kwon Eun Seong is also a part of their quest for establishing good over evil. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet release date The 1 h 56 min movie will hit the theatres on July 23, 2025. Its posters and trailer launch heightened the buzz regarding the upcoming big budget project. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet unveiled trailer In the trailer, we see the leads using their special powers and weapons to take down the otherworldly creatures in thrilling encounters. Kim Dok Ja (Ahn Hyo Seop) states, 'The story that I love, the one that meant everything to me, has become reality.' As the only one who has read the novel, he knows exactly how events will unfold once the monsters enter the real world. Deadly chaos commences when a goblin named Bihyung suddenly appears on the subway, tasking the humans with a mission– killing at least one living thing. We then get a glimpse into the chaotic new world, showcasing the characters' iconic abiliies and weapons as they engage in an intense battle to survive. Kim Dok Ja informs his team of the novel's happening, stating, "We just have to clear up to the 99th scenario" and declared his determination to alter the humans' tragic fate in the real worlrd. With unwavering resolve, he mentions, 'With my companions, I will rewrite the ending of this story.'
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
DJ Sean M: Meet Ireland's youngest ever festival DJ
DJ Sean M (Seán Meenaghan) is only 11 years old, but he's already spinning the decks at major Irish music festivals. In May, he made his festival debut at Greenfields, and this summer he'll be playing bangers at Beyond the Pale (Saturday and Sunday) and at the Kaleidoscope Festival (Friday evening set). A 5th class student at Colmcille's Senior School in Knocklyon, Seán's journey began before he could even spell turntable - climbing up to reach his dad's decks when he was still a toddler! Florence from RTÉ's news2day went to Seán's school and partied hard! Press play up top to see the report. Seán says: "When I was very young about 3 years old my father would bring in a step so that I was able to reach his decks. Since then I have practiced nearly every day I can remember. I got my very own set of Pioneer decks last Christmas and I'm very proud of them. "My family have gone to Ibiza every summer since I was born. I just love the dance scene over there, my favourite part is going to Cafe Mambo where I have seen Fatboy Slim, Claptone and many more. "It was just the most amazing experience at my school, I got to share my talent with all my school friends - most of them have never seen me play my decks before. It was great to see them all have so much fun and enjoy the music in the sunshine." Now armed with his own Pioneer setup and backed by the powerhouse platform NOISE Music, DJ Sean M has a growing list of gigs under his belt and a serious passion for the decks. DJ Sean M's Top 5 Dance Tunes Solarstone - Seven Cities The Prophet- CJ Bolland Wide Open Space - Mansun (Perfecto Mix) Silence - Delerium Heaven Sent - Bedrock His sound is rooted in House, Progressive House, and Trance, inspired by annual trips to the electronic music mecca of Ibiza. With energy, talent, and a deep love for dance music, DJ Sean M is proving that age is just a number when it comes to lighting up the dancefloor. Follow Seán on the festival circuit on Instagram (Managed by his mam Susan!) and make sure to head over to see him wherever he is playing.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Time of India
All Pilgrimage Wayshrine locations in Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered explained
(Image Via Virtuous and Bethesda Game Studios) To start, Knights of the Nine DLC in the Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered sends the players on the sacred Pilgrimage quest . Here, you must locate the 9 hidden Wayshrines across Cyrodiil . The shrines are not marked clearly, and this is what makes them easier to miss. Whether you are a new player or a returning player to DLC, the guide here will help you to find all the shrines efficiently without getting lost within the vast wilderness of Tamriel. All Pilgrimage Wayshrine locations in Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered Oblivion Remastered Pilgrimage Side Quest Guide (All Wayshrine Locations) The Pilgrimage quest begins after speaking with The Prophet in the Chapel of Dibella, Anvil. He gives you a vague map. Each of the shrines is tied to the Divide, and finding them will unlock the powerful Restoration spell. Here is where you must look. Wayshrine of Arkay It hides northwest of Kvatch, near a bend in the road between Kvatch and Anvil. Guarded by wolves (be careful), the small grove of the trees hides it. Wayshrine of Mara Fast-travel to the Grateful Pass Stables near the Skingrad and look right below 'S' on the map label. Take the straight northwest path from the stables, which will lead you right to it. Wayshrine of Dibella Start at the south of Weynon Priory, right outside Chorrol. The shrine lurks behind the small hill. It is easy to miss if you do not look carefully. Wayshrine of Akatosh It is in the south of Bruma, near Orange Road. From the Wildeye Stables, take south to the road. Then, take west until you find the stairs that lead to north. The shrine waits right at the top. Wayshrine of Julianos On the East of the Imperial City, where Red Ring and Yellow Roads meet, nearby Fort Sejanus is the location of this shrine. It is hard to spot at night. So, use the wait function for the daylight if you want. Wayshrine of Kynareth To find this shrine, head to the Silverfish River's northern stretch. Then, look for an arrow shape in the northern section of the river. The shrine sits right on the north of the tip, close to the deserted mine. Wayshrine of Talos On the Imperial City's south, near Fort Alessia, head south from Fort Alessia. You will find the shrine nestled in the small valley. Wayshrine of Zenithar To find the shrine, ride past Veyond Cave or ride south along the river from the Thalos shrine. You can even fast-travel to the Bay Roan Stables near Bravil. The shrine is quite hard to miss once you are close. Wayshrine of Stendarr It is one of the toughest ones. The shrine is located between Bravil and Leyawiin, in the swamp. For it, travel north from Leyawiin till you can spot Rockmilk Cave. Then, check on the west of the road to find the shrine. Note: If you get lost, align the path with the map labels, like Nibenay Basin or the road interactions. Rewards to complete the Pilgrimage in Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered After you have visited all 9 shrines, you will receive the Grace of Pilgrim, the unique Restoration spell that boosts 1 attribute daily. You will also trigger the vision from the Pelinal Whitestrake, starting the next quest, "The Shrine of the Crusader." So, now that you know where to look for the shrines, your pilgrimage will not feel like a wild goose chase. Go ahead and cement your legacy with shrine hunting, to be Cyrodiil's champion.
The National
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
One Last Thing: Zaid Farouki on his hidden talent and favourite Arabic word
Since graduating from Istituto Marangoni in Milan nearly a decade ago, Palestinian designer Zaid Farouki has been working on growing his eponymous fashion label. An artist at heart, Farouki says he is inspired by a number of sources, including French painter Claude Monet. Or more precisely, the artist's obsessional approach to work – such as with his lilies, which he painted into 250 pieces of art. Today, Farouki's clothes have appeared on the red carpet at the Grammys and have been worn by everyone from fellow Palestinian artists Elyanna and Zeyne to global entertainment and fashion icons like Pharrell Williams and Iris Apfel. He credits his approach to 'creating pieces that transcend borders and bring together different elements of culture, design and sustainability', for his success. We met him at his Dubai studio, where he answered the questions for Luxury magazine's One Last Thing. What is your favourite time of the day and why? Sunrise, I feel like I've taken a hold of the day. What is your favourite restaurant anywhere in the world? Too many chef friends, I can't pick one! I'd say our grandmothers' kitchens is the number one restaurant. Coming from agricultural societies, they teach us about ingredients, seasonality, cultural significance and history in one dish. They preserved who we are as a history and culture. Teta (grandmother) is the OG Chef's Table. When was the first time you realised your parents were human? When I realised they always did the best they could do to the best of their ability. What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be able to mentor and guide younger creatives pursuing a career and life in the creative industry – support artisans, create works for the sake of creating. Do you have any hidden talents? I used to paint and sculpt before I turned to fashion. Your favourite book? A cliche, but The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. What type of music can't you stand? Electronic and rave. What puts you in a bad mood? When I am not in a creative mood, when I have no output, I get really frustrated. What can you not live without? My phone, I need to connect with my family and friends at all times. Dream dinner guests? Honestly, a huge dinner with family and friends, on a cold winter night, people coming in and staying and just having a huge get together for people I love, respect and care about. Sitting on the sofa or out with friends? Out with friends. Any words to live by? Find your chosen tribe, dream of hope, a future and a remarkable life to look back on. What smell takes you straight back to childhood? I think the smell of dough – dough-making in general. What food takes you back to childhood? Gelato and ice cream. Have you ever looked at someone eating ice cream from an ice cream parlour? No matter how old or who they are, you see a child in them emerge when they start eating the cone in full excitement. Which city do you love but would hate to live in? New York. Can you play a musical instrument? No, not any more. I used to play the violin as a child. Have you ever been on a motorcycle? Never, too scared. What is your biggest pet peeve? No table etiquette. Do you believe in aliens? No. What is the most niche thing you watch on YouTube? Sewing, embroidery tricks and hacks. What is your favourite Arabic word? Ishq – a step above love, but not infatuation. How do you take your tea? Black, unsweetened with mint. What makes you cry? Inhumanity, loss of hope … but the feeling of hope and its power too. What do social algorithms think you're interested in? Fitness, sewing tricks and Sagittarius memes, as well as fashion reviews. TikTok or Instagram? Instagram. What is one thing about you that would surprise people? How calm and quiet in social settings I can be. What was the last thing you did for the first time? That is a tough question. It's been so long that I can't remember, actually.
