Car chase 'fury' before boy died in crash - court
FamilyA father and son were in a state of "fury" during a road chase that ended in a crash and the death of a four-year-old boy, a court has been told.
Patrick Maughan, 54, and his son, Owen Maughan, 27, of Hill Rise, Darenth, both deny the murder of Peter Maughan at Maidstone Crown Court.
Prosecutor Richard Jory KC said the pair were driving a pick-up truck on the A2 in Kent after a day drinking in Rochester on 1 June last year, when they saw other family members in another vehicle.
Jory said for reasons that were unclear, the pair became angry, and after both pick-up trucks left the A2 near Northfleet, Owen drove into the wrong lane and clipped the other vehicle at 60mph (96.5km/h).
The court heard Owen had about 12 bottles of beer and Patrick about 13 pints, after they had been drinking in the Jolly Knight pub and City Wall wine bar.
Jurors heard Owen's cousin Hayley was travelling in the other pick-up truck with her partner Lovell Mahon, who was driving, and their children, Peter, four, and his one-year-old sister.
"For reasons that weren't and aren't clear, Owen and Patrick were or became very angry," Jory said.
Jurors heard Owen's driving became erratic and the pair chased the family for several miles down the A2.
The court heard Hayley filmed video clips and left a voice note for her mother in which she said she was afraid.
After both vehicles left the A2 "Owen and Patrick were clearly, we would say, in a fury, very angry at the occupants of Lovell's vehicle," the prosecutor said.
He said Owen called Hayley's brother Jason to say he was going to ram the other truck.
Jurors heard he clipped the truck and it rolled over.
The court heard Peter was thrown from the vehicle and died from "severe and devastating injuries" to his head, chest and abdomen.
Mr Mahon had serious injuries including a skull fracture and it is unlikely he will walk again, jurors were told.
Owen has pleaded guilty to Peter's manslaughter as well as causing serious injury by dangerous driving and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Mahon.
The trial continues.
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