Truckie Brett Michael Russell, 60, of Croydon, has appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier this week charged with 46 offences after the crash of the school bus on its way to Melbourne Airport on September 21.
Russell allegedly rear-ended the bus near Bacchus Marsh while driving a prime mover after changing trailers at Nhill and returning to Melbourne.
Detective Senior Constable Holly Gibson said Russell was spotted “weaving” between lanes at speed.
Police allege Russell swerved left and collided with the bus, pushing it onto an incline where it rolled down an embankment.
Gibson said the truck’s trailers were examined and failed brake tests, and an expert revealed they were used in an “aggressive manner”.
The court heard that Russell was aware there were issues with the truck but drove anyway.
The prosecutor said Russell had held a heavy vehicle licence for 20 years and had no prior or outstanding offences.
Russell’s lawyer told the court that the accused was undergoing rehabilitation for his injuries sustained in the crash, and argued that there was a lengthy delay before the brief of evidence was available, reports The Age.
Magistrate Andrew McKenna granted Russell bail, with conditions including that he stay in Victoria and not drive a vehicle.
He is due to reappear in court on July 31 to face charges including reckless conduct causing injury, reckless conduct endangering life and dangerous driving causing serious injury.