Tragedy Strikes: Dad Charged with Manslaughter of Seven-Month-Old Son During Fateful Camping Trip in Queensland
- Jaye Lee Walton, 42, accused of manslaughter after his baby boy, Reef Hunter Walton, died in a lake near a campsite in Gympie
- Walton had a “huge history” of alcohol abuse, including drunk driving, and was allegedly drunk at the campsite
- Court hears the baby’s mother described the relationship between Walton and their son as “amazing”, referring to him as his “little mate”
A Queensland father, Jaye Lee Walton, 42, has been granted bail after being charged with the manslaughter of his seven-month-old son, Reef Hunter Walton, during a camping trip in Gympie. The court heard that Walton had a “huge history” of alcohol abuse, including drunk driving, and was allegedly drunk at the campsite where the tragedy occurred.
According to Crown prosecutor Andrew Walklate, Walton had consumed a majority of a cask of wine and was observed drunk by witnesses. Walklate argued that the temptation for Walton to drink alcohol while on bail would be “too high”. However, Walton’s defence solicitor, Gavin Webber, assured the court that his client was willing to stop drinking as part of his bail conditions.
In a heartbreaking submission to the court, the baby’s mother described the relationship between Walton and their son as “amazing”, referring to him as his “little mate”. She revealed that Walton was a doting and loving father, who took on many responsibilities for the child, including getting up during the night and doing nappy changes.
Justice Peter Callaghan noted that the circumstances surrounding the child’s death “will remain unknown”, but the evidence suggests that the offence may have been the result of criminal negligence induced by alcoholic intoxication. Walton was granted bail on the condition that he report to a police station twice a day, seven days a week, and abstain from alcohol.
Walton had been in protective custody after receiving death threats. His case will continue to be heard in court, as the community grapples with the tragic loss of a young life.
Jaye Lee Walton will face the consequences of his actions, but for now, he is out on bail, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of alcohol abuse on families and communities.