Bruce Highway fatal: Justin Wayne Alderton faces Mackay court after Walter Newton death

The Whitsunday driver charged over the horrific death of Walter Newton appeared for the first time in Mackay Magistrates Court. Find out why his case was adjourned.

The man accused of causing a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway in 2021 will have to wait another two months before hearing his case in court again.

Justin Wayne Alderton’s face was hidden behind sunglasses, a hat and a mask as he left the court, where the 33 year old was charged with dangerously operating a vehicle that caused the death of Townsville man Walter Newton and life-threatening injuries of his son Walter junior.

It was his first appearance at Mackay Magistrates Court, as he did not appear when his case was mentioned in December because of injuries suffered in the crash.

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

His hearing on January 17 was further adjourned until March 22, with Mr Alderton set to have more surgery as he recovers from the crash.

Police allege the Cannonvale driver had drugs in his system when he was behind the wheel on July 16, 2021.

Mr Alderton was alleged to be driving a white Holden ute north on the highway when, about 2.35pm, it collided with a black Ford ute Mr Newton, 60, in Pindi Pindi.

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

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

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.

Walter Newton died in a crash on the Bruce Highway in July 2021.

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

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.

Those charges must be dealt with in the district court.

The case was adjourned to March 22 for a committal mention.

Originally published as Bruce Highway fatal: Justin Wayne Alderton faces Mackay court after Walter Newton death