The father of a woman who was killed in a horrific bus crash in the NSW Hunter Valley says they “only have love and empathy” for the family of the man who was behind the wheel.
Brett Andrew Button, 59, had all 10 of his manslaughter charges withdrawn when he faced Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday as he admitted lesser charges over the June 2023 smash that killed 10 people and injured dozens more.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 grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of furious driving causing bodily harm.
Matt Mullen, Rebecca Mullen’s father, said their thoughts are with the family of the driver.
“This is not about vengeance against the driver at all,” he told reporters outside court on Wednesday.
“My feelings towards him at the moment are numb, it’s not anger, it’s not hatred, it’s not anything.
“I only have love and empathy for his family.
“I know what they’re going through.”
Mullen said he didn’t sleep the night before in anticipation of the Crown’s public announcement that it would withdraw charges against Button.
“It’s not about his punishment, it’s about the sense of justice as to why our kids and husbands and wives were lost,” he said.
“It’s not about hurting anybody. It’s about what is right.”
Earlier, prosecutors said they would apply to detain Button in custody, a move that defence lawyers flagged they would not oppose.
He was not required to enter pleas to back-up charges including negligent driving causing death.
Another 25 charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct were withdrawn.
Button arrived at court flanked by a pack of about a dozen supporters.
He did not say anything to a large group of waiting media.
Button was arrested after losing control of a bus carrying wedding guests from the Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton about 11.30pm on June 11.
The bus rolled onto its side after hitting a guard rail.
Button has previously apologised for the incident, telling reporters outside court in March he was “devastated by what has occurred” and that he was “truly and deeply sorry”.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has declined to comment on the reason for the manslaughter charges being withdrawn.
Button had been on bail after initially being granted release due to mental health and wellbeing concerns should he be kept in custody.
– With AAP
