By NICK FAGGE, SENIOR REPORTER Published: 13:27 BST, 6 June 2025 | Updated: 13:28 BST, 6 June 2025
A father and son are alleged to have rammed a cousin's family's 4x4 as it drove down a country lane, killing a young four-year-old boy and seriously injuring his sister, it emerged today.Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, from Darenth, Kent, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this morning charged with the murder of little Peter Maughan.The pair - who are understood to be related to the victims - spoke via link from Elmley prison only to confirm their names as their barristers discussed the case involving the death of last Sunday 1st June.Owen Maughan is said to have been driving a Ford pick-up truck as it smashed into another similar vehicle that was being driven by the boy's father Lovell Mohan in countryside near Dartford, Kent,No possible motive has yet emerged to explain the alleged deliberate collision.It is understood that both the accused are related to Peter's mum Hayley Maughan and the children with Owen being her first cousin.As well as facing a charge of murdering the four-year-old, Owen and Patrick Maughan are accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Peter's father Lovell Mohan, who remains in a critical condition in hospital due to his injuries.They are also charged with the attempted wounding with intent of Peter's baby sister, a one-year-old girl and their mother Hayley Maughan. The Maughan family. Peter (bottom centre) died while his mother Hayley (left), baby sister Annarica and father Lovell (right) were injured Peter Maughan, four, was killed when a Ford Ranger he was travelling in with his father Lovell (pictured) and one-year-old sister was allegedly 'rammed' Patrick Maughan, 53, (pictured) and Owen Maughan, 27, from Darenth, Kent, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this morning charged with the murder of little Peter His Honour Judge Oliver Saxby remanded the defendants in custody until the following hearing – set for 7th July and warned them it was an 'important date', as they will be expected to enter a plea.Both father and son sat impassively in separate interview rooms at the jail on the Isle of Sheppey.Owen Maughan wore a sky-blue coloured shirt with an open neck. His father Patrick, wore a grey sweatshirt and had his arms folded throughout the short hearing.The police investigation into the case is ongoing with a forensic collision report expected to be completed shortly.Detectives continue to ask for witnesses to the fatal crash.A Kent Police spokeswoman 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 Public Portal'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.'
