A Hunter Valley wedding bus driver who described feeling ashamed for committing the “ultimate sin” when he crashed and killed 10 people and injured 25 has been jailed for 32 years.
Newcastle District Court Judge Roy Ellis on Wednesday said Button, 59, had been clearly impaired by the opioid Tamerol when driving too fast and engaging in risk-taking behaviour before the horrific crash in June 2023 at Greta.
Judge Ellis said the 33 victim impact statements read to the court and the nine tendered victim impact statements from family members of those killed and the surviving passengers during Button’s three-day sentence hearing “graphically painted the picture of devastation caused by this offending”.
The judge said in his more than 50 years of being involved in the judicial system, 21 years as a judge, he was unaware of any other case of such magnitude which had had such a devastating impact on so many people.
He said Button had significantly breached the duty of care he owed his passengers and abandoned his responsibilities.
Driver’s Remorse
Giving evidence in his defence earlier on Wednesday, Button admitted taking more than the prescribed amount of the opioid Tramadol before the crash.
“I’m ashamed,” Button told the court.
“I can’t forgive myself. I can’t believe I caused this. I never meant to cause this.
“I truly wish it never happened.”
Button said he had tried to figure out the words to say he was sorry but how could he say he was sorry for causing such a “horrible and tragic event” which had ruined the lives of hundreds of people.
He said he had committed the “ultimate sin” and caused parents to have to bury their children.
The biggest nightmare of his life was to have to bury his own children.
“I hate myself. I want to disappear,” Button said.
“I’m sorry to everyone involved. I’ve shamed everyone.”
Button claimed he had been using Tramadol since 1994 and had developed a tolerance to the opioid he used to relieve pain.
“I wouldn’t have taken it if I thought it was a risk to my driving ability,” Button said.
He had taken a total of 350mg of Tramadol on the day when doctors told him the daily maximum dose was 200mg.
Questioned by prosecutor Katharine Jeffreys, Button agreed he had been joking about going on a rollercoaster before the crash and knew he was a danger on the roads if he had taken more than the prescribed amount of Tramadol.
Button has pleaded guilty to 10 charges of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of driving causing grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of causing bodily harm by wanton driving.
Families Seek Justice
During the three-day sentence hearing, Jacqui Varasdi, mother of one of the 10 fatalities, Zachary Bray, 29, questioned why the manslaughter charges against Button had been dropped by prosecutors.
“I put my trust in the judicial system and the professionals appointed to represent us,” she said.
“However, my family and I feel left down by those representing us, specifically the DPP following the decision to drop the 10 manslaughter charges without any adequate consultation and opting for a lesser plea,” she said.
“This decision has been even harder to accept as it was after the plea deal that we learned the driver was impaired with high levels of opioids and painkillers in his system.
“His actions were just not reckless.
“They were criminal and warranted a manslaughter conviction.
“He knowingly over-medicated and chose to drive under those conditions putting countless lives at risk and destroying so many.”
A number of other families have also criticised prosecutors for making the plea deal with Button.
Manslaughter charges carry a 25-year maximum jail sentence while the lesser charge of dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum 10-year jail term.
The Crash
Button lost control of the bus taking 35 wedding guests from the Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton about 11.30pm on June 11 last year after taking a roundabout on Wine Country Drive at Greta too fast in thick fog
The 10 people who died in the crash were: Darcy Bulman, Nadene McBride and her daughter, Kyah, Kane Symons, Andrew Scott and his wife Lynan, Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Tori Cowburn, and Rebecca Mullen.
Many on board were members of the Singleton Roosters Australian Rules Football club and had earlier attended the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell.
The Impact
The sentence of 32 years with a non-parole period of 24 years has been met with a range of emotions from the families of the victims. While some have expressed relief that the driver will face significant time behind bars, others remain critical of the justice system for dropping the manslaughter charges.
The families of the victims are still dealing with the devastating loss of their loved ones and the trauma of the accident. The impact of the crash will continue to be felt for many years to come.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the importance of responsible driving practices. It also highlights the importance of seeking help for addiction and the potential consequences of neglecting to do so.
The legal system will continue to grapple with the complexities of this case and its impact on the victims and their families. The driver’s remorse and the families’ demand for justice will continue to shape the public discourse around this tragedy.
Aftermath and Reflection
The Hunter Valley bus crash has left an indelible mark on the community. The lives lost and the injuries sustained are a testament to the devastation that can be caused by reckless driving. The sentencing of the driver has brought some sense of closure, but the healing process will be long and arduous for the families and the community as a whole.
This tragic event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to prioritize the safety of themselves and others on the road. The memories of those lost will forever be etched in the hearts of their loved ones, and the community will continue to mourn their loss and support those affected by this devastating event.
