Video Captures Moments Before Drunk Driver Kills Child in Kent Ramming
A chilling video has been released showing the moments before a drunk driver rammed into a car at 60mph, resulting in the death of a four-year-old boy in Kent. The incident, which occurred on June 1 last year, involved Owen Maughan, 27, and his father, Patrick Maughan, 54, who were found guilty of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.
Details of the Tragic Collision
Peter Maughan, the young victim, was a passenger in a Ford pick-up truck when it was struck by the Maughans' vehicle on the A2 in Kent. The impact caused the truck to roll over multiple times, throwing Peter from the vehicle. He suffered severe and devastating injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen, leading to his death. His one-year-old sister, Annarica Mahon, was also in the back seat but survived.
The driver of the truck, Lovell Mahon, sustained serious injuries including a skull fracture and is unlikely to walk again. Hayley, Owen Maughan's cousin and the mother of the children, was in the front passenger seat and filmed the altercation leading up to the crash. In the video, she can be heard pleading, 'Please watch this. They’re still doing it,' as the Maughans screamed at the driver.
Court Proceedings and Verdicts
At Maidstone Crown Court, the jury found Patrick Maughan guilty of manslaughter, while he was cleared of murder. Both Owen and Patrick were also convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Lovell Mahon. Owen had previously admitted to this charge. The trial revealed that the Maughans had been drinking earlier that day, consuming about 12 bottles of beer and 13 pints respectively before driving home.
Owen Maughan testified that he did not know children were in the car and claimed he intended only to dent the vehicle to provoke a fight, not cause serious injury. However, after the crash, the pair drove off and removed the registration plate from their truck in a state of panic, according to court statements.
Police Response and Sentencing
Kent Police detective inspector Rachel Elmore described the tragedy as 'devastating and entirely avoidable.' She emphasized that the actions of the two men have irreversibly changed the lives of the victims' family, with an innocent child lost and a father facing permanent disability. The Maughans, both residents of Hill Rise in Darenth, Kent, are awaiting sentencing at a later date.
This case highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving and aggressive behavior on the roads, underscoring the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable road users.
