Man accused of attacking MP Helen Haines claims it was accident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 02:09 · Archive

Brendan Nugent, accused of ramming his car into MP Helen Haines, claims the incident was accidental and he panicked.

Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of ramming his Toyota LandCruiser into MP Helen Haines outside her office in Wangaratta on 19 October. The independent MP for Indi remains in serious but stable condition at The Alfred in Melbourne after both of her legs were amputated.

Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He remains in custody ahead of his next court appearance in February. At his first court appearance, his lawyer said he suffers from a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, Nugent has claimed the incident was accidental and that he panicked. He reportedly denies holding a grudge against Haines and says he previously voted for her. His family described Haines as a friend of more than twenty years. Police and federal authorities continue investigating any pre-existing connections between Nugent and Haines to establish a motive, with Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush stating that further serious charges have not been ruled out.

How it is being reported

• Man charged with attacking MP Dr Helen Haines claims it was an accident after ‘panicking’Brendan Nugent, 43, is in custody ahead of his next court appearance in February, but has reportedly denied he intentionally drove a car at Dr Haines, sources saidThe Mirror · 29 Oct, 01:45
• Extraordinary claim from man accused of mowing down MP Helen Haines in horror attack that cost her both legs: 'Accident'Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of ramming his Toyota LandCruiser into MP Helen Haines outside her office in Wangaratta on October 19 in what police alleged was a deliberate attack.Daily Mail · 28 Oct, 22:41

In this story: Brendan Nugent · Helen Haines · Wangaratta · Victoria Police · Indi

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log