A man charged with ramming Australian MP Dr Helen Haines with his car has reportedly claimed it was an accident after he 'panicked'. Brendan Nugent, 43, is in custody ahead of his next court appearance in February, but has denied he intentionally drove a car at Dr Haines, sources told The Age.
Details of the incident
Dr Haines, the independent MP for Indi, had both legs amputated after she was 'pinned' between a Toyota Land Cruiser and another vehicle during an incident in the rural Victorian city of Wangaratta on Monday, October 19. She remains hospitalised in Melbourne in a 'serious but stable' condition.
Nugent, from Tarrawingee close to Wangaratta, has claimed he did not intend to drive into Dr Haines and 'panicked' on the afternoon in question, sources told The Age. He also has reportedly denied he held a grudge against the MP, or attacked her as a 'proxy' in a feud with his family, the report adds.
Charges and court proceedings
Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official following the alleged attack. He was wrestled from the car by horrified onlookers who detained him before police arrived.
In his first court appearance, his lawyer said he suffered from a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis. A judge at Wangaratta Magistrates Court ordered Nugent to be sent for a mental health assessment before his next court date in February. He has not applied for bail and remains in custody.
Family statement and reaction
Nugent's family previously described the independent MP as a 'friend for more than 20 years'. After police confirmed they were investigating if the alleged attack was motivated by a family feud, as Brendan is estranged from his relatives, a statement from the Nugent family said: "We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can.
"We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen's aid yesterday after the shocking and horrific crime."
The case has gripped Australia, with the next court appearance scheduled for February.
