Man accused of 'ramming' MP who lost leg pictured leaving court for first time
Brendan Nugent pictured outside court for his first appearance(Image: JAMES ROSS/EPA/Shutterstock)
TL;DR
- Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of ramming MP Dr. Helen Haines twice with his Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Dr. Haines, 65, reportedly lost a leg and is fighting to save another after being pinned between vehicles outside her office.
- The incident is alleged to have occurred at 3:35pm on Monday, October 19, in Wangaratta.
- Victoria state police described the incident as 'targeted' and charged Nugent with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal official.
- Eyewitness accounts suggest the suspect drove past Dr. Haines, then turned back to strike her, reversing to hit her again.
- Bystanders subdued the suspect and removed a knife from his pocket.
- Nugent made his first court appearance at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court, where he did not apply for bail or enter a plea.
- He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February.
- Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush stated Nugent was not considered an 'immediate threat'.
- The Nugent family described Dr. Haines as a family friend and expressed that what happened was 'devastating and unfathomable'.
- The case highlights Australia's lack of a history of political violence compared to the UK.