Justin Wayne Alderton heads to district court over Bruce Highway fatal
The case against a driver accused over the horrific highway crash that claimed the life of father Walter Newton north of Mackay is ready for the next step.
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The case against a driver charged over the horrific highway crash that claimed the life of father Walter Newton north of Mackay is headed for the district court.
Justin Wayne Alderton, 33, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of the Townsville man and life-threatening injuries to his son Walter junior.
It is alleged Mr Alderton had drugs in his system when he dangerously drove on the Bruce Highway on July 16, 2021.
Police allege he was driving a white Holden ute north and it collided with a black Ford ute that Mr Newton was driving about 2.35pm at Pindi Pindi.
Mr Newton tragically died at the scene, while his son Walter who was a passenger in the black ute was flown to hospital and treated for serious injuries.
Mr Alderton is charged with dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm, driving with a relevant drug in his system and possessing dangerous drugs and used drug utensils.
Matters were briefly mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Mr Alderton’s solicitor Robin Cathcart said she had filed registry paperwork on March 24.
The court heard prosecution had then filed the documents the following day.
This is the administrative process of moving a matter from the magistrates court to the district court jurisdiction.
Because of the dangerous driving charges, which hold a maximum penalty of 10 years jail if convicted, this case must be finalised in Mackay District Court.
Once the registry committal is complete, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has six months to formally indict Mr Alderton in the higher court on some or all of the charges.
Matters are adjourned to late August to check on the process.
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