Bus driver behind bars after dangerous driving plea, but manslaughter charges dropped
The driver responsible for the deadly NSW Hunter Valley bus crash is behind bars after pleading guilty to a string of dangerous driving charges.
Bus driver Brett Button (centre) arrives at Newcastle Local Court, Newcastle, NSWWednesday, April 3, 2024. Brett Button is accused of driving dangerously fast in fog through a roundabout moments before his bus tipped over and crashed into a guard rail near Greta in the NSW Hunter Valley on Sunday night. (AAP Image/Mark Russell)
But Brett Andrew Button, 59, had all 10 of his manslaughter charges withdrawn when he faced Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday as he admitted lesser charges over the June 2023 smash that killed 10 people and injured dozens more.
In a deal struck with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of furious driving causing bodily harm.
Prosecutors applied to detain Button in custody, a move defence lawyers did not oppose.
He was not required to enter pleas to back-up charges including negligent driving causing death.
Another 25 charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct were withdrawn.
The withdrawal of the manslaughter charges proved an emotional moment for the victims’ families, with Matt Mullen – father of dead bus passenger Rebecca Mullen – sobbing when his daughter’s name was read.
Button arrived at court flanked by a pack of around a dozen supporters.
He did not say anything to a large group of waiting media.
Button was arrested after losing control of a bus carrying wedding guests from the Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton about 11.30pm on June 11.
Investigators at the bus crash scene
The bus rolled onto its side after Button lost control while carrying wedding guests. (Darren Pateman/AAP PHOTOS)
The bus rolled onto its side after hitting a guard rail.
Button has previously apologised for the incident, telling reporters outside court in March he was “devastated by what has occurred” and that he was “truly and deeply sorry”.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has declined to comment on the reason for the manslaughter charges being withdrawn.
The court heard parties had agreed on the facts of the case, but victims’ families were yet to see the statement and should be able to review before the details were made public.
Button has previously been accused of taking the roundabout on Wine Country Drive at Greta too fast while driving in thick fog, allegedly telling some passengers to “fasten your belts” before the fatal crash.
Button will be back in court on May 30 when a date for his sentencing will be fixed.
