Independent MP Helen Haines Suffers Severe Injuries in Wangaratta Incident
Brendan Nugent charged with dangerous driving and intentionally causing serious injury after alleged deliberate attack near electorate office.
Callum Smith
Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser in Wangaratta on Monday.
Brendan Nugent, 43, faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Mr. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday; he did not apply for bail.
Victoria Police, with support from the Australian Federal Police, investigates the incident. Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack, aimed at causing harm to Ms. Haines.
Further charges, including attempted murder, might be laid, police said. However, Mr. Nugent's family stated they were long-time friends with Ms. Haines. His lawyer, Chirag Patel, claims Nugent had not previously been diagnosed with any mental health issues.
What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen's family and all of her staff.
Ms. Haines remains in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred on Saturday morning. A hospital spokesperson confirmed her status. More than A$730,000 has been raised for the charity Save the Children in Ms. Haines's honour.
Helen Haines's electorate offices are being prepared to reopen. Her staff released a statement: 'What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen's family and all of her staff. Many of us witnessed the incident and some were among the first to come to her aid. As Helen takes the time she needs to recover, we will take time to look after ourselves and one another, too. Healing will take time, and we ask for your understanding as we navigate the days and weeks ahead.'