Police probe family rift as motive in MP car attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 01:44 · Archive

An Australian MP lost both legs after a man allegedly rammed her with a car; police are investigating whether family grievances motivated the attack.

Helen Haines, an independent federal MP for Indi, lost both legs after Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly struck her multiple times with a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electoral office on Monday. She remains in hospital in a stable condition. Nugent was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, causing harm to a commonwealth official, and two drug charges. He remains in custody after not applying for bail.

Police initially suspected the attack was politically motivated but are now investigating whether Nugent's alleged hostility towards his father Rod and his father's partner Christine Cunningham could have been a motive. The couple have been close friends with Haines for 20 years. According to reports, the last time Nugent's father and stepmother saw him was ten months ago on New Year's Eve, when he allegedly arrived at their house and ranted at them for ten minutes. Nugent has reportedly suffered from schizophrenia and a rare neurological condition.

Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed on Friday that officers were investigating a potential family rift as part of their inquiries, and that every line of inquiry remained open. Haines's husband Phil said his wife's recovery would be long and difficult but that she was 'a fighter' who would do her best to recover with family support. Australians donated more than $350,000 in less than 24 hours to Save the Children in honour of Haines.

How it is being reported

• Nugent family rift and 'proxy' theory probed by police after alleged attack on MP Helen HainesVictoria Police are investigating a potential rift between Brendan Nugent and his family.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 01:30
• Aussie cops probing whether driver who allegedly attacked Helen Haines with car was motivated by hatred towards familyPolice are investigating whether Brendan Nugent’s hostility to his own family could have been a motive in the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines.New York Post · 22 Oct, 09:56

In this story: Helen Haines · Brendan Nugent · Rod Nugent · Christine Cunningham · Victoria Police · Australian Federal Police · Indi · Wangaratta

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