Achi news desk-
But Brett Andrew Button, 59, had all 10 of his manslaughter charges dropped when he appeared at Newcastle Local Court today as he pleaded guilty to lesser charges over the June 2023 blast, which killed 10 people and injured dozens more.
In a deal struck with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury and 16 counts of driving while angry causing injury.
Earlier, prosecutors said they would seek to remand Button, a move defense attorneys indicated they would not oppose.
He is not required to enter pleas to backup charges including negligent driving causing death.
25 additional charges for causing injury through inappropriate behavior were deleted.
Button arrived at the court with a group of about a dozen supporters by his side.
He said nothing to a large group of waiting media.
Button was arrested after losing control of a bus carrying wedding guests from Wendine Valley Estate to Singleton at around 11.30pm on June 11.
The bus rolled on its side after hitting a guardrail.
Button previously apologized for the incident, telling reporters outside court in March that he was “devastated by what happened” and that he was “truly and sincerely sorry.”
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to comment on the reason for dropping the manslaughter charges.
Button was released on bail after initially being granted release due to mental health and welfare concerns if he remains in custody.
