A driver linked to one of Australia‘s most catastrophic road accidents, a wedding bus crash that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, has received a 32-year prison sentence.
On June 11, 2023, a coach overturned while returning from a celebration in the Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales, resulting in injuries to twenty-five individuals.
Brett Button, 59, was reportedly struggling with a dependency on prescription opioids and was driving at an excessive speed when the crash occurred.
Initially facing manslaughter charges, he ultimately accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt to multiple dangerous driving offences.
Passengers who survived and the families of the deceased gathered from various parts of the country to witness the sentencing of Button. Emotions ran high as they wept and embraced one another while the judge announced that he would not be eligible for parole until May of 2048.
On the day of the crash, Button consumed a significant quantity of Tramadol, a potent medication known to induce drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and visual disturbances, to alleviate his chronic pain. He stated, however, that he was unaware of any impairment at the time.
Passengers recounted their fear in court, describing the driver’s erratic behaviour and revealing that several had implored him to reduce his speed.
In a dramatic turn of events, the driver lost control of the bus while navigating a roundabout, causing the vehicle to tip onto its side and slide along a guard rail.
The vehicle was transporting 35 passengers, and tragically, all individuals on board, except Button, sustained injuries or lost their lives.
A hearing was held for two consecutive days, during which over 30 individuals affected by the situation provided their statements. The judge described the event as unprecedented in scale.
Numerous individuals shared their ongoing sorrow and the persistent physical pain they endured each day.
Graeme McBride sustained severe injuries in the accident that claimed the lives of his wife, Nadene, their only child, Kyah, aged 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, aged 21.
In a poignant moment, Mr McBride addressed the court with tears in his eyes, stating, “My family tree has been cut down.”
“I long for the return of my previous life.”
“I desire to rest my head on a dry pillow…” The desire for a comfortable position is universal. Yet, it often comes with concerns about safety and well-being, mainly when it involves the risk of injury to the neck or emotional distress.
Nick Dinakis, who tragically lost his girlfriend Darcy Bulman that fateful night, found himself on the edge of death, suffering from a broken neck, debris embedded in his face resembling shrapnel, and a severe brain injury that casts doubt on his chances of recovery.
“You have caused me physical harm, left scars on my body, and most painfully, you have shattered my heart and mind,” stated the 30-year-old.
Button remained quiet as victims recounted the profound impact of his actions, describing how he had left children without parents, turned spouses into widows, and compelled parents to endure the heart-wrenching loss of their adult children.
“Touching my daughter’s cold arm in a morgue is something a father can’t explain,” Matthew Mullen, the father of 26-year-old Rebecca Mullen, stated.
The court was informed that some individuals impacted by the incident now experience significant fear when it comes to driving, and many feel both physically and mentally incapacitated, rendering them unable to return to work.
In his first public statement, Button offered an apology, acknowledging his difficulty articulating his regret and sorrow.
“I have struggled to find the appropriate words to express my sorrow, but how does one convey remorse for a tragic event that has devastated the lives of countless individuals?” he stated in court.
“I grapple with this daily, and it fills me with self-loathing.”
In a striking statement, Judge Roy Ellis remarked to the court that he had never encountered a case that resulted in such “extraordinary devastation to so many individuals and families” throughout his 50-year career.
“The court expressed a desire for closure for at least some individuals present,” he stated as he delivered his sentence.
Button faced convictions on ten charges related to dangerous driving that resulted in death, alongside nine counts of dangerous driving that caused grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of inflicting physical harm through furious driving.
Located in New South Wales, the Hunter Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and lush native bushland. It has established itself as a prominent destination for weddings.
The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving the small regional town of Singleton in disarray.
Six of the deceased were identified as locals: Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew, 35; Lynn Scott, 33; Tori Cowburn, 29; and Rebecca Mullen.
Among the deceased were Kane Symons, who hails from Tasmania; Zach Bray, 29, from Byron Bay; Angus Craig, 28, from Queensland; and Bulman, who hails from Melbourne.
