Indigenous viewers are advised this story contains images of people who have died. The driver who crashed a bus in the Hunter Valley last year, killing 10 people has pleaded guilty to multiple offences and been taken into custody. The manslaughter charges were dropped, a decision that has devastated the families of victims.
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00:00 With his head down, Brett Button walked free for what could be the last time for a long
00:07 time. It's been almost a year since he lost control of a bus carrying wedding guests
00:13 in the Hunter Valley, killing 10 people and injuring 25. Today, many of the victim's
00:19 families came to hear him enter his pleas.
00:22 Only one thing I would say is that our hearts and thoughts are also with the family of the
00:27 driver as well.
00:29 They left with mixed emotions. Adam Bray's son, Zach, died in the crash.
00:34 We want justice, it's not about revenge. I pity this driver's family.
00:39 Brett Button was facing 89 charges. He pleaded guilty to 35, including 10 counts of dangerous
00:46 driving, occasioning death. 10 charges of manslaughter and several others were dropped.
00:52 The charity Vocal has been supporting the families.
00:55 I think that the legal system has failed to appropriately acknowledge the seriousness of
01:02 the offences.
01:03 Is the sentencing relevant to the gravity of the crime? No, it's not. My son's life
01:10 holds much greater value.
01:13 Nick Danakis was seriously injured in the crash. His partner, Darcy Bulman, was killed.
01:19 In a statement, Mr Danakis said he was extremely pleased with the result, which allowed him
01:25 and other victims to try and move forward with life.
01:29 The Attorney-General said he would ask the DPP for a briefing on the matter. A DPP spokesperson
01:35 said these types of decisions are made after close and careful consideration of the evidence.
01:42 Some family members sobbed as the magistrate read out the victims' names in the courtroom.
01:47 Brett Button also appeared emotional. He said goodbye to family after proceedings before
01:52 sheriffs led him away.
01:55 He could face up to 10 years in prison.
01:57 [BLANK_AUDIO]