Independent MP Dr Helen Haines has lost both of her legs following an alleged attack by a 4x4 driver in rural Australia, her husband confirmed on Wednesday.
Dr Haines was seriously injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 pinned her against a car on Monday afternoon, October 19, in Wangaratta, a small city in rural Australia she represented. She was allegedly attacked by Brendan Nugent.
Husband gives emotional update outside hospital
Speaking at a press conference outside The Alfred Hospital in central Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon local time, Dr Haines' husband Phil said: "What took place on Monday was a horrendous incident. It has caused her significant injuries. Helen's left leg was amputated. We had been hoping the right leg has been saved but as of today the surgeons have removed her right leg."
He added: "The good news is Helen is alive and stable. That's the most important thing for her family." Mr Haines choked back tears as he handed over to Australia's Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
Ms Mostyn, King Charles' representative in Australia, said: "Australia is still reeling from the shock of this terrible attack. People are dumbfounded and finding it hard to understand the scale of the tragedy."
Suspect appears in court
Earlier on Wednesday, Brendan Nugent appeared in court for the first time charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official. He did not speak during the short hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance in February.
Police said on Wednesday morning that Nugent, 43, could yet face more charges. A motive for the attack remains unclear, but officers are continuing to investigate why it took place, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.
Bystanders intervene
The attack only stopped when bystanders intervened to wrestle the driver from behind the wheel and took a knife from him, barber Ricky Jeffries said. Mr Jeffries has been hailed as a hero by police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, something he has dismissed, pointing out that multiple people ran to Dr Haines' aid with no regard for their own safety.
They were thanked by a Haines family statement in the hours after the incident. Last night, a statement issued by the Nugent family revealed Dr Haines had been a friend for 'more than 20 years', adding 'what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable'.
