Bus driver charged over fatal Hunter Valley crash excused from attending court

A bus driver hit with additional charges over the death of 10 passengers returning from a wedding will not have to face court when his matter is mentioned again due to issues with his licence.

Brett Andrew Button, 58, was initially charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death over the June crash.

The new charges brought earlier in August include nine counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and two dozen charges of causing harm through misconduct.

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Button was behind the wheel of the bus with 35 passengers returning from a wedding when it flipped at Greta in the NSW Hunter region shortly before midnight on June 11.

Nine people died at the scene and a 10th on the way to hospital.

Brett Andrew Button is facing more than 60 charges over the fatal crash. Credit: AAP
Ten people were killed in the crash: Darcy Bulman (left) and (from top, left to right) Tori Cowburn, Kyah and Nadene McBride, Andrew Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Zachary Bray, Angus Craig and Lynan Scott. Credit: 7NEWS

Button was granted bail in Cessnock Local Court, athough it was opposed by police.

He is accused of driving dangerously fast in thick fog and telling passengers to “fasten your seatbelts” moments before losing control at a roundabout.

The bus then smashed into a guard rail before tipping and crashing on its side.

Investigators at the scene of a bus crash near Greta. Credit: Darren Pateman/AAP

A partial brief of evidence has now been served.

Button was excused from appearing at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday and for his next appearance in October.

“There’s some issues with his licence,” Button’s lawyer Jemma O’Brien told the court on Wednesday.

Police subpoenas have been returned with documents from Linq Buslines and a Charlestown pain management clinic.

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