BY JORDAN REGNIS and IAN CROUCH
The man at the centre of last year's Hunter wedding bus crash appeared in Newcastle Local Court (Wednesday 8 May, 2024), where he pleaded guilty to a string of charges.
Brett Button was behind the wheel of the bus transporting wedding guests from a reception, before it rolled at a roundabout in Greta, killing 10 people and injuring 25 others on June 11, 2023.
The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to a total of 25 charges, including 10 counts of driving in a dangerous manner occasioning death, 9 counts of driving in a dangerous manner occasioning grievous bodily harm, along with 16 charges of Wanton Driving causing bodily harm.
He's had 10 charges of manslaughter dismissed and withdrawn, following a plea deal made with the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Inside the court, the bus driver sat with his head bowed and hands clasped together, speaking quietly as he pleaded guilty to each of the 25 charges.
Matt Mullen, whose daughter Rebecca died in the crash, wept when her name was read out in court and again when the manslaughter charges were dismissed.
Mr Button has had his bail revoked and has been remanded in custody to appear in Newcastle District Court via audio visual link on May 30, 2024 where he'll be handed a sentencing date.
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| Brett Button has pleaded guilty to 25 charges |