Dad and son in court accused of boy's crash murder

Flowers at scene of crash at New Barn Road in Southfleet.
Image caption,

Flowers have been left at the scene of the crash

  • Published

A father and son have appeared in court charged with murder following a crash in Kent in which a four-year-old family member died.

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both from Hill Rise, Darenth, were charged with murder on Wednesday and appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court to each face four charges.

They are accused of the murder of four-year-old Peter Maughan and causing grievous bodily harm to Peter's 24-year-old father Lovell Mahon, who is in a critical condition in hospital.

A one-year-old girl also suffered minor injuries in the crash involving two grey Ford Ranger pickup trucks in New Barn Road, Southfleet, on Sunday.

The two men are also charged with the attempted wounding with intent of Peter's one-year-old sister and their mother, Hayley Maughan.

Mr Mahon and the two children were travelling in the same car.

The two suspects were dealt with in short, separate hearings, speaking only to confirm their identities.

They were remanded in custody and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

A provisional plea and trial preparation hearing date of 2 July was set.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information is urged to contact Kent Police.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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