A father and son accused of the murder of a four-year-old boy in a fatal smash are not expected to stand trial until early next year.

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both of Hill Rise, Darenth, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (June 6) via prison video link in relation to the collision in which little Peter Maughan died.

During the brief proceedings, it was revealed for the first time by lawyers acting on the defendants' behalf that Owen was the driver of one of the vehicles involved and his dad was a passenger.

The youngster was in a vehicle - a grey Ford Ranger - along with his dad, Lovell Mahon, mum Hayley Maughan, and one-year-old sister, Annarica, when the incident occurred on New Barn Road, at about 9.30pm on Sunday, June 1.

Mr Mahon, 24, was also seriously injured and taken in a critical condition to hospital along with his children, but Peter - who is known affectionately by his family as Peter Rabbit - sadly died that evening.

Patrick and Owen Maughan, who were in a second Ford Ranger and are related to the alleged victims, were arrested and charged with the little boy's murder.

They are also accused of two counts of attempting to wound with intent and one charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The charges are in connection with the injuries sustained by Mr Mahon, Hayley Maughan and Annarica.

The two men first appeared in separate hearings at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (June 4), where the case was committed to the crown court due to its seriousness.

Today, Judge Oliver Saxby KC told all parties that the earliest date the trial could be held was February 2, 2026, due to the current backlog in the criminal justice system.

Prosecutor Liam Gregory said an expert forensic collision report was awaited, with inquiries ongoing into potential mobile phone evidence.

Patrick and Owen Maughan appeared in court from HMP Elmley and simply spoke to confirm their names.

Tyrone Smith KC, who referred to the case as one of "tragic sensitivity", told Judge Saxby it was accepted Owen Maughan was the driver, while Charles Langley KC added that Patrick Maughan accepts being a passenger.

The pair are due to enter their pleas to the charges at a hearing at the same court on July 7, with their trial, potentially presided over by a High Court judge, expected to last up to four weeks.

The two defendants were remanded back into custody at HMP Elmley until the plea and trial preparation hearing next month which is likely to be held in front of Judge Julian Smith.

Judge Saxby told them: "That concludes the hearing. It will, I suspect, speak for itself but the headlines are the trial will take place in February next year and a directions hearing on July 7, where you will attend by video link.

"That is the day when the court will ask whether you are guilty of the offences you are charged with."

Devastated family members and friends, believed to be from the Travelling community, have paid tribute to their “Peter Rabbit” online, describing him 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.”

Another added: “Rest in peace baby. A little angel way too good for this sick, cruel world. Straight to the gates of heaven.”

A third said: “So heartbreaking. A beautiful baby boy, rest in heavenly peace, angel.

“He was the kindest little boy and loving child.”

According to a Facebook post last night, his dad remains in hospital critically injured.

Detectives continue to appeal for any witnesses to the collision which led to New Barn Road being shut in both directions from the A2 to Warren Road for several hours in the aftermath.

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact the Major Crime Unit via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using this link.

Alternatively call the Major Crime Appeal Line on 01622 652006 to leave contact details.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.