Driver Cleared of Murder After Deliberate 60mph Crash Kills Boy, 4
A driver who admitted killing a four-year-old boy in a high-speed collision has been cleared of murder charges, though he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Owen Maughan, aged 27, deliberately struck a family vehicle at approximately 60 miles per hour, resulting in the tragic death of young Peter Maughan.
Fatal Incident on New Barn Road
The devastating crash occurred on June 1 last year along New Barn Road in Dartford, Kent. Peter Maughan suffered severe and catastrophic injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen after being ejected from the family's Ford pick-up truck during the violent impact. The young boy succumbed to these devastating wounds at the scene.
Court Proceedings and Verdicts
During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, the jury heard compelling evidence about the events leading up to the fatal collision. Owen Maughan had been pursuing the family's vehicle for several miles along the A2 motorway in Kent before executing the deliberate side-swipe at high speed.
Patrick Maughan, 54, who was riding as a passenger in Owen's vehicle, faced charges of encouraging and assisting in the incident. The jury found Patrick guilty of manslaughter but similarly cleared him of murder charges on Thursday, February 19.
Family Members Injured in the Crash
The family's vehicle contained multiple occupants at the time of the collision. Peter Maughan was traveling in the rear seat alongside his one-year-old sister, Annarica Mahon. Their mother, Hayley Maughan—who is Owen Maughan's cousin—occupied the front passenger seat, while her partner, Lovell Mahon, was operating the vehicle.
Mr. Mahon sustained grave injuries including a skull fracture and is now facing permanent disability with little prospect of walking again. Owen Maughan had previously admitted to inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Mr. Mahon, with Patrick Maughan also found guilty of this additional charge.
Chilling Evidence Presented in Court
Hayley Maughan captured video footage of the two men pursuing their vehicle and left a voice message for her mother expressing genuine fear during the chase. Testifying during the proceedings, Owen Maughan claimed he was unaware that children were present in the targeted vehicle.
He explained to jurors that he believed a physical confrontation was imminent after exchanging heated words between the vehicles. His stated intention was merely to damage the side of Mr. Mahon's car sufficiently to force him to stop and exit the vehicle, vehemently denying any attempt to cause serious injury.
Aftermath and Attempted Cover-up
Following the catastrophic crash, Owen and Patrick Maughan fled the scene but paused briefly to remove the registration plate from their truck. Owen described this act as occurring in a state of sheer panic as they attempted to conceal their involvement.
Alcohol Consumption Prior to Incident
Jurors learned that both men had been drinking extensively earlier that day in Rochester. Owen Maughan consumed approximately twelve bottles of beer, while Patrick Maughan drank around thirteen pints before they began driving their Ford Ranger pick-up truck homeward.
Motivation Behind the Pursuit
Owen Maughan testified that they noticed a similar vehicle that made them suspect the occupants might also belong to the traveller community. After pulling alongside, he claimed Mr. Mahon became aggressive and began pointing at him, which provoked his anger and prompted the subsequent chase.
He stated his intention was simply to annoy Mr. Mahon by following him, then decided to dent the vehicle's side to force a confrontation. Owen expressed utter disbelief when he witnessed the targeted car flipping over multiple times after the impact.
Both Owen and Patrick Maughan will receive their sentences at a later date following the conclusion of legal proceedings.
