A UK father who murdered his 19-year-old daughter by reversing and then driving over her with his car has died in prison, officials have confirmed.
Nigel Malt, 44, was serving a life sentence for the January 2022 murder of his daughter, Lauren Malt, when he was found dead at HMP Gartree in Leicestershire on April 29, 2025. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death, but the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched a standard investigation.
Tragic Killing of Lauren Malt
Lauren Malt, just 19 years old, was killed outside the Norfolk home she shared with her mother and younger siblings. The tragic event unfolded as she attempted to protect her boyfriend, who Malt had allegedly threatened with a crowbar.
Consumed by rage and intoxicated, Malt got into his black Mercedes and deliberately drove into Lauren. Witnesses described how he reversed over her and then drove forward again, despite her screaming in agony.
A horrified bystander shouted, “You’ve killed her!” but Malt reportedly discouraged anyone from calling the police. Instead, he put his fatally injured daughter into the passenger seat and drove her to a shop where his estranged wife worked—telling her over the phone, “Our daughter is dead.”
Lauren was later taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a broken back, sternum, ribs, and massive chest and abdominal injuries. Tragically, she could not be saved.
History of Domestic Violence and Prior Warnings
Malt’s actions were even more disturbing considering he had breached bail conditions on the day of the murder. He had been previously arrested for assaulting his wife and was prohibited from visiting the family home.
On the day of the killing, Malt made 19 unanswered phone calls to the house. The final call, believed to have been answered by Lauren, lasted one minute and six seconds—shortly before he arrived at the property and began his fatal assault.
During his arrest at the hospital, Malt was reportedly heard saying: “My baby. It’s my mistake that caused all this.”
Life Sentence and Public Outrage
In 2022, Malt was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years, later increased to 22 years on appeal. Judge Anthony Bate, who presided over the trial, said:
“You used your car as a lethal weapon in an alcohol-fuelled rage in a residential street… She [Lauren] should have been safe in her father’s company.”
The case shocked the country, with many describing Lauren’s murder as a horrific betrayal of parental trust.
Death in Custody Under Investigation
Malt’s death in prison is now under official investigation. While no foul play has been reported so far, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct a full review, which is standard protocol following any inmate death in custody.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Malt died of natural causes, suicide, or another reason.