A driver accused of killing a four-year-old boy in a fatal smash which also left the youngster’s dad paralysed from the waist down has today (October 7) pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

During proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, Owen Maughan admitted being responsible for the death of little Peter Maughan in Southfleet on the evening of Sunday, June 1.

However, the 27-year-old denied the more serious offence of murder and will therefore stand trial next year.

Also facing trial is his father Patrick Maughan, who pleaded not guilty to both murder and manslaughter at the same hearing.

The pair were arrested and charged following the collision between two Ford Rangers on New Barn Road at about 9.30pm.

Owen Maughan was behind the wheel of one vehicle with his dad as front seat passenger, while Peter was being driven by his father Lovell Mahon in the other.

Also in their vehicle was Peter’s one-year-old sister Annarica and their mother - Mr Mahon’s partner - Hayley Maughan.

All parties are believed to be related to each other.

Having been charged with multiple offences, Owen and Patrick Maughan, both of Hill Rise, Darenth, had originally been expected to enter their pleas at a hearing in July but the case was adjourned by Judge Oliver Saxby KC at the request of the defence teams.

However, following legal argument this afternoon by Charles Langley KC on behalf of Patrick Maughan, the defendants were arraigned on an eight-count indictment.

As well as admitting manslaughter, Owen Maughan pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to Lovell Mahon by dangerous driving.

But having pleaded not guilty to murder, he also denied causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent to Mr Mahon, attempting to cause GBH with intent to Annarica Maughan, and attempting to cause GBH with intent to Hayley Maughan.

His lawyer, Tyrone Smith KC, asked that a charge of inflicting GBH to Mr Mahon not be put at this stage.

As well as denying the murder and manslaughter charges, Patrick Maughan pleaded not guilty to an offence of causing Peter’s death by dangerous driving, and three in relation to Mr Mahon - namely causing GBH with intent, inflicting GBH, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Maughan Snr also denied attempting to cause GBH with intent to Annarica Maughan and the same offence in respect of Hayley Maughan.

Following the crash, a seriously injured Mr Mahon, who was 24 at the time, was taken in a critical condition to hospital along with his children.

Although Annarica reportedly suffered only minor injuries, her brother - who is known affectionately by his family as Peter Rabbit - died that same evening.

Mr Mahon has since been discharged from hospital to undergo rehabilitation therapy. But the extent of his injuries were revealed when prosecutor Richard Jory KC told the court of his paralysis and need for a wheelchair.

Owen and Patrick Maughan, who have been remanded in custody until a further hearing on December 18, are due to stand trial from February 2.

An inquest opening held in June heard Peter, who lived with his family in Brakefield Road, Southfleet, died from head, chest and abdominal injuries.

Devastated relatives and friends paid tribute at the time to their “Peter Rabbit”, describing him in social media posts as a beautiful “angel”.

One said: “You were golden, Peter. The family chain is broken and will never be the same without you my boy. Forever 4.”

Hundreds then attended his funeral in August, wearing baby blue and lemon colours as requested by his family, with a service held at St Vincent’s Catholic Church in Dartford.

This was followed by a procession through the town and surrounding areas, including the scene of the fatal crash now adorned with many floral tributes, before finally reaching Stone Cemetery where the youngster was laid to rest.