Greta in the New South Wales Hunter Valley has witnessed a significant development today as bus driver Brett Andrew Button has pleaded guilty to multiple charges relating to a fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and left 25 others injured. The crash, which occurred on June 11th last year, involved a bus carrying passengers returning home from a wedding at the Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton.
In court today, Button acknowledged his guilt by entering pleas to 35 charges, including 10 counts of dangerous driving leading to death and nine counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. The courtroom was filled with emotion as family members of the victims listened to Button’s responses to the charges read by Magistrate Caleb Franklin.
Although 10 charges of manslaughter were withdrawn, Button’s guilty pleas to the other offenses mark a significant step in the legal proceedings. Following the hearing, Button’s bail was revoked, and he was taken into custody before being granted some final moments with his family.
The tragic incident has not only affected the victims’ families but has also sparked inquiries from lawmakers. In the New South Wales parliament, Attorney-General Michael Daley has expressed a desire to seek a comprehensive briefing from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the dismissal of manslaughter charges in the case.
Daley emphasized the importance of upholding the independence of the DPP and ensuring that legal proceedings are free from interference. The decision to accept Button’s guilty plea was made after careful consideration of the evidence and in accordance with prosecution guidelines.
In the aftermath of the court proceedings, Nick Dinakis, a survivor of the crash, issued a statement expressing some relief at the progress in the case. His partner, Darcy Bulman, was one of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the crash. Dinakis’ statement conveyed a sense of closure and a desire to move forward, acknowledging that while the guilty plea may not satisfy everyone, it allows for some semblance of closure for the victims and their families.
The case will now move to the District Court, where a date for sentencing will be determined. As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating crash, seeking justice and closure for those affected by the tragedy in Hunter Valley.