September 11th 2024.
Brett Button, a bus driver, will have to wait until he is an old man to regain his freedom. This is because he caused one of Australia's deadliest road crashes. At the age of 59, Button was sentenced to 32 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 24 years. This was for killing 10 passengers and injuring 25 others who were celebrating a young couple's wedding in the NSW Hunter Valley. The incident occurred when Button sped up to a roundabout while under the influence of an opioid painkiller.
During the three-day hearing in Newcastle District Court, Judge Roy Ellis had hinted at a lengthy sentence, despite objections from survivors and families of the victims. They were not pleased with the prosecutors' decision to drop the manslaughter charges against Button. As the court proceedings unfolded, there were live updates about police preparing for the second day of protests outside the Melbourne weapons expo.
After the sentencing, Leoni Bowey, who lost her sister and niece in the crash, expressed surprise at the "tremendous" sentence. She also mentioned that no matter what happens, it will never bring back their loved ones. Bowey's daughter, Ameliah, shared a similar sentiment, stating that they all knew that nothing the judge did could bring back their loved ones. She also acknowledged that addiction is a disease, but Button still needed to take responsibility for his actions.
Before being sentenced, Button expressed his sorrow and shame in court. He stated that he could not forgive himself and never intended for the crash to happen. He also claimed that he had been using Tramadol since 1994 to relieve pain, and had developed a tolerance to the drug. Button added that he wouldn't have taken it if he knew it would affect his driving ability. On the day of the crash, he had taken a total of 350mg of Tramadol, despite doctors advising a maximum daily dose of 200mg.
Button had pleaded guilty to several charges, including dangerous driving causing death and causing bodily harm, after the prosecutors agreed to drop the manslaughter charges. The decision to downgrade the charges was criticized by Jacqui Varasdi, the mother of Zachary Bray, who died in the crash. She stated that Button knowingly over-medicated and chose to drive, putting countless lives at risk and causing so much destruction.
The crash happened on June 11, 2023, at around 11:30 pm, when Button lost control of the bus carrying 35 wedding guests. They were on their way from the Wandin Valley Estate to Singleton when the bus crashed into a roundabout on Wine Country Drive in thick fog. Ten people tragically lost their lives in the crash, including Darcy Bulman, Nadene McBride and her daughter Kyah, Kane Symons, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Tori Cowburn, and Rebecca Mullen.
It was a devastating incident that shook the community, and the aftermath still lingers on. To stay updated on the latest breaking news, celebrity updates, and sports news, people can join the WhatsApp channel. This channel promises no comments, no algorithm, and no sharing of private details. It is a safe and reliable way to stay informed.
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