Fury as manslaughter charges dropped
The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions has been slammed by state politicians representing communities torn apart by the horrific Hunter Valley bus crash last year, after charges of manslaughter were dropped in exchange for driver Brett Button pleading guilty to lesser charges.
Attorney-General Michael Daley on Wednesday said he would demand an explanation from the DPP about the handling of the case, after victims’ families were left distraught at the plea deal.
With his head bowed and hands clasped, Button pleaded guilty in Newcastle court on Wednesday to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. He also pleaded guilty to nine counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of drive furiously in a motor vehicle to cause bodily harm, which will be related charges.
His guilty pleas came as an exchange for 10 counts of manslaughter being dropped against him.
Twenty-five charges of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle have also been withdrawn.
A detention application was also sought by the DPP, and there was “no resistance” from Button’s defence as the 59-year-old had his bail revoked.
Before being led away by officers, the court heard Button had a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and required medical attention on entry into custody, where he needed a number of medications.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said he was “extremely disappointed” at the decision to drop manslaughter charges.
“The DPP should recognise that they carry the weight of prosecuting fair justice on behalf of families and other victims. The voices of victims need to be remembered and heard,” he said.
A sentence date will be set for Button on May 30.