The trial of a fugitive couple accused of the manslaughter by gross negligence of their baby daughter has been adjourned after the father changed his mind about giving evidence. 

Mark Gordon, 49, had been due to give evidence as part of the defence case at the Old Bailey on Monday.

He and his aristocrat partner Constance Marten, 36, had lived in a tent off-grid on the South Downs in a bid to keep baby Victoria after their four other children were taken into care.

Days after they were arrested last February, Victoria was found dead inside a Lidl bag in an allotment shed off Lynchet Close in Hollingdean, Brighton

On Monday, Judge Mark Lucraft, the Recorder of London, told the jury: "On Friday it was clear that Gordon was planning to give evidence.

"He is entitled to and has had a change of mind."

John Femi-Ola, defending Gordon, confirmed that he would no longer be calling the defendant to give evidence. 

The trial has been adjourned to resume on Wednesday morning.