King's Lynn man found guilty of murdering his daughter
Nigel Malt had been on trial at Norwich Crown Court for nearly a month, after his daughter was killed in late January
Last updated 18th Jul 2022
Nigel Malt has been found guilty of murdering his 19-year-old daughter at Norwich Crown Court.
Lauren Malt died on 23rd January after being run over twice by a car on Leete Way in West Winch- where she lived without her father, but with her mother and younger siblings.
Mr Malt is said to have run over her twice after an argument during which Lauren had asked her dad to leave after he had threatened her boyfriend with a crowbar.
"These actions killed Lauren Malt"
Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, earlier told jurors that: "these actions killed Lauren Malt, and later examination of her body revealed bruising, lacerations and crushing injuries to her head, torso, arms and legs".
A post-mortem examination recorded that she died of significant traumatic injuries to her chest and abdomen.
Malt, of Lynn Road, King's Lynn, denied his daughter's murder, claiming it was an accident.
Jurors returned their unanimous verdict around 3:30pm, after just over a day of deliberations.
"Something in that call caused him to leave and go back to Leete Way."
Mr Jackson said: "The defendant's relationship with his family was broken and it was something he wasn't prepared to accept," said the prosecutor.
Malt's "persistent" calls went unanswered, Mr Jackson said, then the defendant made three further calls, with the final one answered and lasting one minute and six seconds.
"It appears Lauren did answer that call," Mr Jackson said.
"Within two minutes of that call ending, the defendant then left the West Winch shop and drove directly to Leete Way.
"Something in that call caused him to leave and go back to Leete Way."
After Malt ran over his daughter, he said "don't get the police".
Mr Jackson said Malt put Ms Malt's body in his front passenger seat and drove her to the shop where his wife worked, then on to hospital where she was pronounced dead.
"We’re pleased with this verdict and hope Malt will take responsibility for his actions".
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Holly Evans, welcomed the verdict.
“Lauren needlessly lost her life at the hands of her father, the very person who should protect her and keep her safe.
In a fit of rage, Malt chose a course of action that night which would have fatal consequences for Lauren and lifechanging ones for the rest of their family.
We’re pleased with this verdict and hope Malt will take responsibility for his actions. Our thoughts remain with Lauren’s family and friends.”
Mr Malt will be sentenced in August, but the date is yet to be finalised.