Owen Maughan, 27, and his dad Patrick, 54, have been locked up for a deadly road rampage that ended in the tragic death of young Peter Maughan. The pair received hefty sentences of more than 12 and 18 years, respectively, after being found guilty of manslaughter.
Crash Horror on New Barn Road
The tragic incident happened on June 1 last year when Owen and Patrick, from Darenth, Kent, drunkenly chased another Ford pick-up along the A2. After downing 12 bottles of beer and 13 pints, the duo’s anger spiralled out of control. Owen recklessly swerved into the wrong lane at speed, clipping the other vehicle and causing it to roll three times.
Peter, just a toddler and Owen’s cousin’s son, was thrown from the truck and died from horrific head, chest, and abdominal injuries. His father, Lovell Mahon, suffered a skull fracture and life-changing injuries that mean he will never walk again.
Judge Slams ‘Selfish’ Rage
Judge Oliver Saxby QC blasted the pair’s reckless driving and “selfish” behaviour during sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court. He told Owen, “You were angry he had not stopped and wanted to teach him a lesson.” The judge dismissed Owen’s claim it was just a harmless “nudge,” saying, “You didn’t care what happened to Lovell Mahon and his family. ‘We don’t give a f***,’ as you said.”
Owen had already pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while Patrick was convicted by a jury last month. Both were cleared of murder.
Family Left Shattered
Peter’s mother, Hayley Maughan, gave a heart-wrenching victim impact statement. She said the family had the “best life” before the crash but now are simply “surviving, not living.” She described Peter as her “other half,” a happy boy who never got to start his life properly.
“Peter didn’t even get to learn to read… You’ve taken away my baby,” she sobbed.
Lovell Mahon, confined to a wheelchair, spoke of daily struggles with his injuries and heartbreak. “Life will never be the same… The death of Peter has broken me,” he said. His anxiety and paranoia have worsened since the tragedy.
Desperate Attempt to Cover Up
After the crash, Owen and Patrick fled the scene. Patrick even pulled the registration plate off the truck in a bid to cover their tracks. The court heard Owen lied during his evidence, including claims he didn’t know children were in the other vehicle — the judge dismissed this as false.
This devastating case is a chilling reminder of the deadly toll reckless driving and road rage can take on innocent families.
