Hunter Valley Bus Crash Families Plead for Manslaughter Charges Reinstatement
Today, families of the Hunter Valley bus crash victims appealed to the Attorney General of New South Wales, urging intervention to reinstate 10 manslaughter charges against Brett Button. Button had reached a plea deal with the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), resulting in the manslaughter charges being dropped in favor of a lesser charge of dangerous driving causing death.
The families expressed their shock and frustration over the decision, revealing that some were unaware Button was driving under the influence of prescription opioids at the time of the crash. They criticized the DPP for poor communication regarding the plea deal.
While the families sought the Attorney General’s intervention, they left with only a commitment to improve communication between the DPP, the Attorney General, and the victims’ families.
The bus, driven by Button, tipped over at approximately 56 km/h while navigating a roundabout, leading to the deaths of 10 people and injuring many others. Allegedly, Button did not offer assistance following the crash.