About a year after a devastating bus crash involving a wedding party in Australia left 10 dead, the bus driver was sentenced to 32 years in prison. The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges.
More than 20 other passengers were injured, some seriously, in the accident in the Hunter Valley in the state of New South Wales in June 2023. On 11 June 2023, the bus suddenly overturned on a guardrail while leaving a roundabout in dense fog near the town of Greta.
The AAP news agency quoted Newcastle District Court Judge Roy Ellis as saying the 59-year-old defendant was clearly suffering from painkiller use at the time of the accident and was therefore driving too fast and riskily.
The bus driver himself suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested and later charged with ten counts of dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm. He had pleaded guilty to all charges.
Debate on wearing seat belts
Just a few hours earlier, the bride and groom, who were not on the bus, had been celebrating with their guests at a winery. The Hunter Valley, north of Sydney, is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions and is a popular party and wedding venue. The accident has sparked a debate about whether seat belts should be mandatory on buses in Australia.
Application for release possible after 24 years
In passing sentence, Judge Ellis stressed that in his more than 50 years of working in the justice system, he had not known of any other case that had had such a devastating impact on so many people. The bus driver had seriously breached his duty of care to his passengers and failed to meet his responsibilities. The convicted person will not be able to apply for parole until he has served 24 years in prison.
“I’m ashamed”
He admitted in court that he had taken more than the prescribed amount of painkiller. “I’m ashamed,” he said. “I can’t forgive myself. I can’t believe I caused this.” The driver went on to say that he had committed the “ultimate sin.” “I hate myself. I want to disappear.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
