Bus driver Brett Button freed on bail after fatal Hunter Valley crash
A bus driver charged over a fatal crash that killed 10 people and left 25 more injured has been pictured for the first time after being granted bail.
The bus driver charged over a horror bus crash that killed 10 wedding guests and left 25 more hospitalised has been pictured for the first time after he was granted bail.
Brett Andrew Button, 58, appeared before Cessnock Local Court charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving causing death.
Emergency services were called to the roundabout on Wine Country Dr, near the Hunter Expressway off ramp, at Greta about 11.30pm on Sunday after reports a coach had rolled.
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 prolonged behaviour of Mr Button and dangerous driving,” Ms Broom said.
“There is evidence in the fact sheet that says they (the passengers) fastened their 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.
Throughout the hearing, Mr Button kept his head bowed and hands clasped.
Ms Broom said police were further concerned by the possibility that Mr Button might interfere with police witnesses, as well as people who police had not yet received statements from.
Lawyer Chris O’Brien told the court Mr Button had led an “exemplary existence”, and was deeply connected to his local community. Mr Button was supported in court by his family.
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 Robyn 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 Robinson 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.”
Magistrate Richardson granted Mr Button strict conditional bail that will prohibit him from entering the driver seat of a car, subject him to a curfew, and deny him contact with police witnesses.
Magistrate Richardson told the court Mr Button’s own mental health had also suffered as a result of the incident and subsequent charges, with the matter unlikely to go to trial until 2024.
Lawyer Chris 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 was likewise silent while he was led from the Cessnock police station hours later.
The 58-year-old was swiftly bundled into a car by his family, while keeping his eyes down.
Acting Assistant NSW Police Commissioner David Waddell told reporters on Tuesday morning that police will allege the driver entered the roundabout in a “manner that was inconsistent with the conditions”.
“Obviously, the speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side and cause those injuries,” he said.
A large-scale emergency response involving six separate agencies including police, fire, and ambulance was sent to the crash site, including multiple helicopters for hospital transport.
Police believe at least 36 people were on the bus at the time with 10 passengers declared deceased at the scene, while another 25 people were transported to hospital via helicopter and road.
The bus was carrying guests following the wedding of newly-married couple Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell at the nearby Wandin Estate winery, and was on its way to Singleton.
The crash was quickly declared one of the worst in the nation’s history with a crime scene established shortly after, while specialist crash investigators were brought in to assess the scene.
Mr Button, who lives in Maitland, was taken to hospital under police guard for mandatory testing and assessment before being remanded into custody after being refused bail.
On Monday, 15 people remained in hospital, with the majority being treated at John Hunter Hospital.
One patient at that hospital is in a critical but stable condition.
A further eight are in a stable condition, with two patients transferred from Maitland Hospital.
There are three patients in a stable condition at Maitland.
A further two patients are in a stable condition in the Royal Prince Alfred and one at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
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