Graham Anthony Hanson charged over Stirling Edwards-Bland Bruce Highway fatality

A motorist accused of drink driving and causing a devastating highway crash that claimed the life of a young boy has had his matter progress to the next step in the court process.

Stirling Edwards-Bland died in a crash in the Bruce Highway about 6.40pm on May 1, 2022 just north of Proserpine.

The case against a Townsville man accused of drink-driving and causing a horror highway fatal that claimed the life of a Cannonvale 12-year-old boy has been committed to the District Court.

Graham Anthony Hanson, 45, is charged with dangerous driving causing death while adversely affected, with it alleged his blood alcohol concentration was more than three times the legal limit.

Stirling Edwards-Bland died when the Toyota RAV4 his mother was driving south and a Nissan Patrol collided on the Bruce Highway at Gregory River, north of Proserpine, about 6.40pm on May 1, 2022.

Twenty-two people lost their lives in 20 traffic crashes in 2022, which is the worst year for road fatalities in five years.

Stirling’s mother Tracy, who was travelling home from the NQ Games meet in Townsville, was also seriously injured in the crash about 26km north of Proserpine.

Austin and Stirling Edwards-Bland. Photo Inge Hansen / Whitsunday Times.

Tracy was taken to Proserpine Hospital and discharged two days later.

Police allege Mr Hanson was driving the Nissan Patrol. He was taken to Proserpine Hospital with minor injuries.

He faces a maximum penalty for 14 years jail if convicted of the road tragedy that sent shockwaves across the Whitsunday community.

Because of the nature of the charges, Mr Hanson’s case must be finalised in the District Court.

It has been confirmed his case had been committed to the Mackay District Court.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has six months to formally charge Mr Hansen in the higher court.