The funeral of a four-year-old boy killed in a fatal crash three months ago will be held today.
Peter Maughan from Brakefield Road, Dartford, will be laid to rest at Stone Cemetery this afternoon (August 28).
Yesterday, he was brought from Darent Valley Hospital to spend one night at home and for the family to hold a wake and mass.
This morning, he will be taken to St Vincent’s Catholic Church in Mallard Close for a service due to begin at 12pm.
Hundreds of mourners are expected to gather and the family has requested they wear baby blue and lemon.
Peter, known affectionately by loved ones as “Peter Rabbit”, has been described as a “kind” and “loving angel”.
Paying tribute to him after his death, one mourner 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.”
After the funeral, at around 2pm to 3pm, he will be taken for his “last rounds of Dartford” before being buried at Stone Cemetery in Greenhithe.
His mum, Hayley Maughan, previously said: “This is a celebration of my son’s life and our final goodbye – could everyone please show the best of respect.
“Thank you very much, all more than welcome.”
The death of Peter, who is part of the Travelling community, rocked members both locally and in the wider area.
The four-year-old lost his life on the evening of June 1 after a fatal collision in New Barn Road, Southfleet.
He was travelling in a Ford Ranger, along with his dad Lovell Mahon, Hayley, and one-year-old sister, Annarica, when it crashed with a second Ford Ranger at about 9.30pm.
An inquest opening held in June heard he died from head, chest and abdominal injuries.
Lovell, 24, was also seriously injured and taken to hospital in a critical condition along with his children. His daughter was discharged with minor injuries.
He left hospital earlier this month and is now receiving rehabilitation, including physical therapy.
Francis Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both of Hill Rise, Darenth, have been charged with the murder of Peter.
The latter was driving one of the vehicles at the time, with his dad as front-seat passenger. Both men are believed to be related to the injured parties.
The pair are also accused of two offences of attempting to wound with intent and one charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
They relate to the injuries sustained by Lovell, Hayley, and Annarica.
Last month, they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court for a hearing where they were expected to enter their pleas to the murder charge.
However, the arraignment proceedings were adjourned by Judge Oliver Saxby KC at the request of the defence legal teams.
The two men will now enter pleas on October 7.
Patrick and Owen Maughan’s trial is due to start on February 2 next year. Both men are in custody.
