Man admits killing family member, 4, in crash

Tributes to four-year-old Peter Maughan were left on the roadside

A man has admitted killing a four-year-old family member in a crash between two pick-up trucks in Kent.

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both from Hill Rise, Darenth, are accused of murdering Peter Maughan on New Barn Road, Southfleet, on 1 June.

The pair, who are father and son, were in a truck which crashed with another vehicle carrying Peter, his parents, and one-year-old sister.

Owen Maughan, who was driving at the time of the crash, denied murder but admitted to manslaughter, while Patrick Maughan, the passenger, denied all charges.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, Owen Maughan also admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Peter's father Lovell Mahon, 24, but denied grievous bodily harm with intent.

He also denied attempting to injure Peter's sister and the mother of the children, Hayley Maughan.

Four-year-old Peter Maughan's funeral took place in August

Mr Mahon received critical hospital care after the crash and was left paralysed from the waist down, the court heard.

It is understood that Hayley Maughan is the first cousin of Owen Maughan.

The father and son will remain in custody ahead of their trial, which has been fixed for 2 February, 2026 at the same court.

Additional reporting by PA Media