The driver responsible for the deadly Hunter Valley bus crash in New South Wales has pleaded guilty to a series of dangerous driving charges.
But Brett Andrew Button, 59, had all 10 charges of manslaughter dropped when he appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday as he admitted lesser charges over the June 2023 crash that killed 10 people and injured dozens. further.
In a deal reached with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and 16 counts of furious driving causing bodily harm.
Driver Brett Button (pictured) has pleaded guilty over a bus crash in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley that left 10 dead and many more injured.
Ten wedding guests died in the accident. Among them were Rebecca Mullen, Zach Bray Angus Craig, Tori Cowburn, Nadene and Kyah McBride, Kane Symons, Andrew and Lynan Scott and Darcy Bulman.
Earlier, prosecutors said they would request to detain Button in custody, a move that defense attorneys said they would not oppose.
He was not required to plead guilty to additional charges, including careless driving causing death.
A further 25 charges of bodily harm by misconduct were dropped.
Button arrived at court flanked by a group of about a dozen supporters.
He said nothing to a large group of waiting media.
Button was arrested after losing control of a bus carrying wedding guests from Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton at around 11.30pm on June 11.
The bus rolled on its side after hitting a guardrail.
Button previously apologized for the incident, telling reporters outside court in March that he was “devastated by what happened” and was “truly and deeply sorry.”
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has declined to comment on why the manslaughter charges were dropped.
Button had been on bail after initially being granted release due to mental health and wellbeing concerns should he remain in custody.
The bus flipped on its side after Button lost control while transporting guests to the wedding.