Justin Wayne Alderton charged with drug driving in Pindi Pindi fatal crash

A killer driver who caused the death of a Queensland father was found to have meth in his system, as well as beer cans and marijuana in his destroyed Holden ute. He has now been sentenced on separate drug charges.

A killer driver who caused the death of a Queensland father was found to have meth in his system, as well as beer cans and marijuana in his destroyed Holden ute.

A killer driver who caused the death of a Queensland father was found to have meth in his system, as well as beer cans, water pipes, and marijuana in his destroyed Holden ute.

Justin Wayne Alderton faced court one final time for his actions on July 16, 2021 when his dangerous driving on the Bruce Highway caused a horrific crash that killed Walter Newton and seriously injured his 19-year-old son.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard tests showed Alderton had methamphetamine in his blood, while police found drug paraphernalia in his car.

He pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils, and driving while intoxicated on Monday.

Justin Wayne Alderton faced Mackay Magistrate Court on drug-driving charges after he was involved in the car crash that killed Walter Newton in July, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Just 10 days ago, the 34 year old pleaded guilty in District Court to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and grievous bodily harm in a tearful sentence of six years imprisonment.

“I’m sorry, Newton family,” Alderton said as both he and Mr Newton’s son wept.

“I just wish that it never happened, that it was able to be taken back.”

Walter Newton was the victim of car crashPhoto Supplied

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said the drug charges “had nothing to do with the accident” and sentenced him separately.

“It was a very small amount of cannabis for your personal use and you did make admissions to police you were a cannabis user,” Ms Hartigan said.

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

“There’s nothing relevant in your recent history that would cause me to give you any more than a fine.”

Ms Hartigan said she would give him the mandatory licence disqualification period of one month, but Alderton reminded the court his licence had been removed absolutely at his District Court sentence.

“I know it’s academic, but I still need to do it,” Ms Hartigan said.

Alderton was convicted but not further punished on the drug charges and was fined $300 referred to SPER.

He will remain in jail until granted parole after an eligibility date of April 30, 2025.

Convictions were recorded and utensils forfeited.