Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack; accused driver remanded in custody
Independent Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after she was allegedly struck by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, her husband said, according to Australian Associated Press. The man accused of the attack, Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in court on Wednesday local time and was remanded in custody.
What we know: Police allege Nugent intentionally struck the 65-year-old member for Indi with his Toyota LandCruiser outside her office on Monday afternoon, AAP reported. Her husband, Phil Haines, said her left leg was amputated on Monday and doctors were unable to save her right leg on Wednesday afternoon, according to AAP. Earlier on Wednesday, ABC News described her condition as critical but stable.
The charges: Nugent, of Tarrawingee, near Wangaratta, is charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, ABC News reported. Court documents show he is also charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis. He did not speak or enter a plea, and no bail application was made.
In court: His lawyer, Chirag Patel, told the court Nugent has a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, and was recovering from concussion, The Age and ABC News reported. Magistrate Allison Vaughan ordered that he be seen by a doctor. Police are to complete a brief of evidence by December 24, and the case returns to Wangaratta court on February 4, according to ABC News.
What we don't know yet: A motive has not been established. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said detectives were not ruling out further serious charges, and AAP reported that could include attempted murder. The Age reported that detectives are examining whether Nugent had any connection to the sovereign citizen movement, and AAP reported that counter-terrorism authorities are investigating. These are allegations; Nugent has not been convicted of any offence.
Sources
- AAP — MP loses second leg but husband reveals 'good news'
- ABC News (Australia) — Helen Haines' alleged attacker Brendan Nugent faces court
- The Age — Alleged attacker Brendan Nugent appears in court as police say they're not ruling out further charges
- AP — Brendan Nugent faces court charged with driving into Australian lawmaker Helen Haines