Clinton Gordon Sutcliffe has charge upgraded to murder following fatal crash at Kogan

The driver who police allege ‘deliberately rammed’ into a car, causing a crash that killed a Western Downs man, has also been charged with attempting to murder a two-year-old who is believed to be his son. Full details.

Clinton Gordon Sutcliffe, 36 has had his charges upgraded to one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder at Dalby Magistrates Court.

A Western Downs man who had his charges upgraded following a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 22-year-old father has fronted court for the first time since being charged with murder.

Police allege that in the early hours of May 30, Clinton Gordon Sutcliffe was driving a Nissan X-Trail and deliberately rammed a Holden Colorado from behind, causing the Holden to roll.

Western Downs man Dale Aaron Mckenna has been identified as the man involved in a fatal car crash outside Dalby earlier this week.

One of the occupants of the Holden, 22-year-old Dale Aaron Mckenna, was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital but after nearly 24 hours in an intensive care unit had his life support turned off Wednesday night.

Mr Sutcliffe appeared at Dalby Magistrates Court on June 1 via videolink and was told his charges had been upgraded from one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm to one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Clinton Gordon Sutcliffe, 36, appeared at Dalby Magistrates Court after being charged with dangerous operation of vehicle causing grievous bodily harm following a serious crash at Kogan.

The court was told the two other occupants of the Holden were 20-year-old Shakira Debbie Stewart, who had also been injured and transferred to Brisbane, and a two-year-old.

Acting magistrate Andrew Walker advised the man to make an application for legal aid so he could have representation by August 1.

Mr Walker ordered a brief of evidence by July 21.

On May 31 Mr Sutcliffe first appeared at Dalby court for the original charge of dangerous operation of vehicle causing grievous bodily harm where no application for bail was made.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins told the court then that he had been instructed to seek an adjournment of the matter to Thursday morning due to possible changes being made to the charge.

“That’s based on the likelihood that life support will be turned off today and the charge may change in nature,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

Mr Sutcliffe, who has been remanded in custody at the Toowoomba watch-house, listened on and did not react when hearing the news that the 22-year-old alleged victim may not survive the crash.

Acting magistrate Andrew Walker reiterated the possible future outcome of the charge.

“There might be issues with the alleged victim’s life support later today, and I can only read into that that he may not be surviving the injuries allegedly caused by you,” Mr Walker said.

“If that’s the case there might be a change to the charge so I’m going to put this matter off until tomorrow.”

Mr Sutcliffe’s matters will next be mentioned August 1, but his appearance is not required.