Justin Wayne Alderton charged over Bruce Highway crash that killed Walter Newton

A Whitsunday region driver charged over the horror highway crash that killed Townsville father Walter Newton has had his case mentioned for the first time. Find out why he did not appear.

Police allege the Cannonvale driver charged over the horror highway crash that killed Townsville father Walter Newton had drugs in his system when he was behind the wheel.

The matter against Justin Wayne Alderton was mentioned for the first time in Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Walter Newton died in a Bruce Highway crash at Pindi Pindi on July 16, 2021. Photo: Supplied

However 33-year-old Mr Alderton did not have to attend – instead a doctor’s certificate was tendered in his place.

ATSILS lawyer Robin Cathcart, for Mr Alderton, said her client was “still suffering from his injuries” over the July 16, 2021 crash on the Bruce Highway at Pindi Pindi.

Tragic scenes at a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway near Pindi Pindi. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Police alleged Mr Alderton had been driving a white Holden ute north on the highway when, about 2.35pm, it collided with a black Ford ute driven by 60-year-old Mr Newton.

A 47-year-old man driving a Toyota Kluger south also collided with the two vehicles.

The damage to a dual-cab ute involved in a three-vehicle head-on crash on the Bruce Highway at Pindi Pindi. One person died at the scene near Rise and Shine Rd about 2.35pm Friday, July 16. Picture: RACQ CQ Rescue

Tragically Mr Newton died at the scene. His 19-year-old son, Walter, who had been a passenger in the black ute was flown to hospital and treated for serious injuries.

The 47 year old was not seriously injured.

As a result Mr Alderton is charged with two separate counts of dangerous driving – causing death and causing grievous bodily harm on July 16.

Tragic scenes at a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway near Pindi Pindi. Picture: Lillian Watkins

He is also charged with driving with a relevant drug in his system on that same date, as well as possessing marijuana and used drug utensils.

The most serious charges are the two counts of dangerous driving, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years if convicted as well as a mandatory six month licence disqualification.

The scene of the fatal crash on the Bruce Highway at Pindi Pindi north of Mackay. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Those charges must be dealt with in the district court.

Ms Cathcart tendered the doctor’s certificate for her client and requested matters be adjourned to a later date.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan agreed but issued a warrant to lie on file until his next mention in mid January.