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Drug-affected driver jailed for fatal Welshpool crash

AAPCanning Gazette

A DRUG-AFFECTED driver who admitted causing a crash that killed a father-of-two riding a motorcycle in Perth has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison and says he will live with the tragedy until he dies.

Aaron Ralph Cato, 31, had consumed drugs on his birthday but believed by the following afternoon he was fit to drive in May 2018, when he drove into the path of Simon Watt, 37, who suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene in Welshpool.

Cato had 0.06 milligrams of amphetamine and 0.47 milligrams of methylamphetamine in his system, the West Australian District Court heard on Thursday.

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“Had you been paying proper attention and not been affected by methylamphetamine, you should have seen the motorbike and given way to it,” Judge Mark Herron said.

“You made the foolish and selfish decision to drive when you were still under the effects of methylamphetamine, thereby putting the lives and safety of other road users at risk.”

In their victim impact statements, Mr Watt’s family described the emotional trauma of their loss.

“Their father’s death has greatly impacted upon them, affecting their personalities, moods, temperament and behaviours,” Judge Herron said.

In a letter, Cato said he could only imagine the heartache he had put Mr Watt’s family through.

“I can only say to the families that if I could relive that day things would be different. I am so very sorry for your loss,” he said.

“I will live with this to the day I die.”

Cato must serve at least two-and-a-half years behind bars before he can be eligible for parole.

He was also fined $1250 and banned from driving for three years.