Brendan Nugent, the 43-year-old man accused of driving his car into Australian MP Dr Helen Haines twice in Wangaratta, has been pictured leaving court for the first time after his initial appearance on Wednesday.
Nugent, from Tarrawingee, near Wangaratta, is alleged to have driven his Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 at the 65-year-old MP at 3:35pm on Monday, October 19. Dr Haines was pinned between the Toyota and another vehicle parked outside her office, and has reportedly lost one leg while doctors fight to save the other.
Targeted attack alleged by police
Victoria state police allege the incident was 'targeted'. Nugent was charged on Tuesday with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official. Officers have said he could face further charges.
According to eyewitnesses cited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials, the suspect drove past Haines as she stood at the trunk of her parked car, before turning and driving back to ram into her. The driver then reversed and struck Haines again, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.
Bystanders intervene at the scene
The suspect was subdued by a crowd of bystanders, one of whom removed a knife from the driver's pocket. Others rushed to help Haines, who was pinned between the vehicles.
At Wangaratta Magistrates' Court, less than a minute's walk from the scene of the incident, Nugent did not apply for bail or enter a plea, according to Australian Associated Press. The BBC reported he sat emotionless and did not say a word during the short hearing in a packed courtroom.
Remand until February appearance
Nugent will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February.
In a press conference held on the same day, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters in Melbourne that Nugent was not considered 'an immediate threat'. A statement issued from the Nugent family said Dr Haines had been a family friend 'for more than 20 years and what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable'.
The case has shocked Australia, which does not have a history of violence against politicians. In the UK, two MPs — Jo Cox and David Amess — have been murdered in the last decade.
