Boy, 4, killed after car 'deliberately rammed' by his own family members
Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, are accused of causing a fatal car accident in Dartford, Kent that killed four-year-old Peter Maughan and injured his family members
A father and son are due to stand trial early next year after being accused of murdering their four-year-old relative in a car crash.
Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, from Darenth, Kent, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this morning (June 6) via video link charged with the death of Peter Maughan. It is alleged that the pair rammed a family member's 4x4 as it drove down a country lane in Dartford, Kent on the evening of June 1.
The men confirmed their names only from Elmley prison. As well as murder, they have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Peter's dad Lovell Mahon, 24. He remains fighting for his life in a critical condition in hospital.
Both men are also facing charges of attempted wounding with intent of Peter's sister, one-year-old Annarica Maughan, who suffered minor injuries, and the children's mum, Hayley Maughan. It is understood that both the accused are related to Peter's mum and the children, with Owen being her first cousin.
Owen accepted that he was driving a Ford pick-up truck when it crashed into a similar vehicle, driven by Lovell. Patrick accepted that he was the passenger in Owen's truck.
The defendants have been remanded in custody until the following hearing on July 7. Judge Oliver Saxby warned them it was an "important date" where they will be required to enter a plea.
A provisional trial date of February 2 at Maidstone Crown Court has also been set, which is expected to last four weeks. "Well all things being equal, your trial will take place in February next year," the judge added.
Patrick and Owen sat in separate rooms inside the jail showing no emotion during the hearing. The former was dressed in a a grey sweatshirt with arms folded while the latter wore a light blue shirt with an open neck.
Kent Police are continuing their investigation into the case that happened in New Barn Road just before 9:30pm last weekend. While officers have asked for any witnesses to come forward.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "Detectives continue to appeal for any witnesses to the collision which involved two grey Ford Rangers. Anyone with information which may assist the investigation, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact the Major Crime Unit via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using this link.
"Alternatively call the Major Crime Appeal Line on 01622 652006 to leave contact details. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form."
Devastated friends and family of Peter paid tribute to the child online. One affectionately called him "Peter Rabbit" while another described him as a "beautiful angel". A third added: "Keep her and her husband in prayer and her beautiful little baby boy may you watch over her and him I can't imagine what she's going through."
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