Driver Brett Andrew Button fronts Cessnock Court following horror bus crash which killed 10 people
The driver involved in the horror Hunter bus crash, which claimed 10 lives, has surfaced after the court heard he allegedly told passengers to “fasten your seatbelts”.
Newcastle
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The man behind the wheel during a fatal bus crash – which claimed 10 lives and injured 25 more in the state’s Hunter Valley – has walked from Cessnock Police station hours after being granted bail and returned to his home.
Brett Andrew Button fronted Magistrate Robyn Richardson at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday, charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of negligent driving relating to all 10 deaths.
The magistrate said it was clear Mr Button was “suffering”, and acknowledged his family and friends in court to support him on Tuesday morning.
“I have concerns for Mr Button’s wellbeing, his mental health and onerous conditions in custodial environment,” she said.
Mr Button held his head as Magistrate Richardson acknowledged there was a strong prosecution case, but ultimately that he had no prior criminal record and conditions could be put in place.
Minutes after 2pm a white Kia Sportage carrying Button and four supporters pulled up at his residence after making the drive from Cessnock Court.
The car drove up the driveway to the home’s garage with two women heading to the front door as the garage door was raised.
Button, wearing the baggy hoodie which largely obscured his face outside of court, remained silent as two men shielded him into the home.
Police prosecutor Courtney Broom “strongly opposed” Mr Button’s release on bail, telling the court of Mr Button’s prolonged allegedly dangerous behaviour prior to the devastating crash.
“There are 10 witnesses who gave evidence in relation to the (alleged) prolonged behaviour of Mr Button and dangerous driving,” Ms Broom said.
“There is evidence in the fact sheet that says … Mr Button (told passengers) to fasten your seatbelts.”
The court heard police expected as many as 15 further charges of causing grievous bodily harm could be added given the passengers’ injuries.
Mr Button has no criminal history prior to the charges being laid, and had accrued seven separate driving infringements in almost 30 years behind the wheel.
Hours after Button was granted bail, the 58-year-old finally walked from Cessnock Police Station amid a swarm of waiting media.
Dressed in a black hoodie, and shying away from the flashes of cameras, Button hurriedly rushed towards a car with family members inside as he exited the gates at Cessnock Police Station.
With a solemn face and dipped head, Button said nothing as he quickly got into the front seat of a white Kia Sportage amid a handful of police.
The Kia was driven away from the Cessnock Court just after 2pm, carrying Button and four supporters, and pulled up at Button’s home.
It stopped in the driveway to the home’s garage and two women left the car and headed to the front door as the garage door was raised.
Button, wearing the baggy hoodie which largely obscured his face outside of court, remained silent as two men shielded him into the home.
HEAD BOWED
Throughout the hearing, Mr Button kept his head bowed and hands clasped.
Lawyer Chris O’Brien told the court Mr Button had led an “exemplary existence”, and was deeply connected to his local community.
Mr O’Brien also supplied the court with a copy of Mr Button’s medical records – including any current medications, stating that Mr Button had missed an appointment to attend court.
Magistrate Richardson said the court acknowledged the suffering of all those who had lost loved ones in the tragic crash, as well as Mr Button and his own family.
“There is no doubt as Mr Button is sat here that it is clear this is a man who is suffering along with the rest of this community,” Ms Richardson said.
“I do not find there the unacceptable risk that Mr Button could interfere with witnesses is so much so that I might refuse bail.
“In regards to failure to appear, I accept that it is a risk, but I am satisfied presented conditions will turn unacceptable risk to acceptable risk.”
The 58-year-old, whose licence was immediately suspended, was granted bail with the conditions he must not contact any prosecution witness, had a curfew from 8pm until 6am, surrender his passport and put up $10,000 in surety.
Mr O’Brien told reporters after leaving the jam-packed courtroom: “Given all the circumstances, he (Mr Button) is holding up really well.”
Asked if Mr Button was aware of the ramifications of the crash, Mr O’Brien refused to comment.
Mr Button’s family also refused to answer questions from the media as they left the courtroom.
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