The driver responsible for one of Australia’s deadliest road tragedies, Brett Button, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison following a wedding bus crash that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured 25 others.
The crash, which took place on 11 June 2023, occurred in the Hunter Valley wine region in New South Wales.
Button, 59, was found to be driving too fast while under the influence of a prescription opioid, Tramadol, used to manage his chronic pain. The drug, known for causing drowsiness and impaired vision, left Button unaware of his impairment at the time. Despite initial manslaughter charges, Button pleaded guilty to multiple dangerous driving offences in a prosecution deal.
Survivors and loved ones of those who died attended Button’s sentencing, expressing their grief and pain. In an emotional courtroom, many sobbed and embraced as the judge ruled that Button would not be eligible for parole until May 2048.
Button had reportedly taken a large dose of Tramadol before driving the bus, but passengers had noted his erratic behavior and urged him to slow down. Moments later, he lost control at a roundabout, causing the bus to tip over and slide along a guardrail. All 35 passengers, except Button, were either injured or killed in the accident.
During the sentencing hearing, survivors and family members shared heart-wrenching stories of the ongoing emotional and physical pain they now endure. Graeme McBride, who lost his wife Nadene, their only child Kyah, 22, and Kyah’s partner Kane Symons, 21, told the court, “My family tree has been cut down… I just want my old life back.”
Another survivor, Nick Dinakis, who lost his girlfriend Darcy Bulman in the crash, was left severely injured and with lasting trauma. “You’ve broken me physically, you’ve scarred my body, and worst of all, you’ve broken my heart and mind,” Dinakis said.
Button remained silent as victims recounted how their lives had been shattered by his actions. Parents, such as Matthew Mullen, spoke of the unimaginable grief of burying their children. “Touching [your daughter’s] cold arm in a morgue is something a father can’t explain,” Mullen said of his daughter Rebecca, who was 26.
Many survivors and families expressed fear of driving and an inability to work due to the physical and emotional toll of the crash. The courtroom listened to over 30 victim impact statements during the hearing, which Judge Roy Ellis described as “unprecedented in scale” in his 50-year legal career.
Button apologiSed in court for the first time, stating that he struggled to find the words to express his regret. “How do you say you’re sorry for such a horrible, tragic event that has ruined the lives of hundreds of people?” he asked. “I live with this every day, and I hate myself.”
The court convicted Button of 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of causing bodily harm by furious driving.
The tragic crash occurred in the picturesque Hunter Valley, known for its vineyards and as a popular wedding destination. The small town of Singleton, where six of the victims were from, was particularly devastated by the event.
Among those who lost their lives were locals Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Tori Cowburn, and Rebecca Mullen. Other victims included Kane Symons from Tasmania, Zach Bray from Byron Bay, Angus Craig from Queensland, and Darcy Bulman from Melbourne.
Judge Ellis concluded the sentencing by acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy, stating, “The court hopes that there will be some closure for at least some of you.”
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