Bus driver Brett Button accused of causing wedding bus crash that killed 10 people and left 25 injured faces 43 new charges
A bus driver accused of causing a fatal crash that killed 10 people and left 25 injured in the NSW Hunter Valley has been excused from appearing in court as he faces 43 new charges.
Brett Andrew Button was allegedly behind the wheel of the bus carrying wedding guests when it flipped near the Hunter Expressway at Greta, resulting in one of the country's worst traffic fatalities.
Brett Andrew Button was allegedly behind the wheel of the bus when it flipped near the Hunter Expressway at Greta. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw
The 58-year-old did not appear before magistrate Janine Lacy at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday after police charged him with 43 new offences, including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning bodily harm.
Mr Button's lawyer Gemma O'Brien told the court that the bus driver had been excused from attending and sought an adjournment while police compiled further expert material that was outstanding from their brief of evidence.
Ms O'Brien also called on the court to produce subpoenas from Mr Button's former employer Link buslines and a pain management clinic.
Ms Lacy also granted police access to the documents for 48 hours.
The court was told Mr Button would be excused from attending when his matter returns in October.
Ms O'Brien said the move was due to issues with Mr Button's licence that was revoked following the crash.
In total, Mr Button now faces 63 charges and has yet to enter any pleas.
He was previously granted bail at Cessnock Local Court in June after the court was told that it was clear the bus driver was 'suffering' amid concerns about his mental health and wellbeing in custody.
The crash resulted in the death of 10 people and 25 more were injured Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles
It was one of the nation's worst accidents
Magistrate Robyn Richardson previously acknowledged that there was a strong prosecution case but ruled that Mr Button had no prior criminal record and conditions could be put in place for his release.
Lawyer Chris O'Brien told the court in June that Mr Button had led an 'exemplary existence' and had accrued only seven driving infringements in his almost 30 years behind the wheel.
Wednesday's court appearance comes after the final funeral for victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash was held in July, farewelling Nadene McBride and daughter Kyah who died in the horror crash.
The final funeral for the victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash was held in July
The funeral, in Singleton, farewelled Nadene McBride and daughter Kyah
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