Australian MP has both legs amputated after attack
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Maverick
Australian MP Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being hit twice by a car in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. Suspect Brendan Nugent, charged with several offences, appeared in court as police investigate the motive, according to Australian authorities.
Australian MP Helen Haines lost her second leg after being hit twice by a car in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. Her husband, Phil Haines, said doctors had first amputated her left leg, then been unable to save her right. She remains in a critical condition, the Daily Maverick reports.
Brendan Nugent, 43, a resident of Tarrawingee, has been charged with three offences related to the attack, including dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury. Charges related to cannabis cultivation and possession were also filed. Local residents restrained the suspect before his arrest.
At his court appearance on Wednesday, Nugent’s lawyer raised a rare neurological illness and mental health concerns. The case was adjourned until 4 February, with no application for bail, according to the Daily Maverick.
Police consider the attack targeted but isolated. Investigators are still trying to establish the motive, and authorities say they have found no evidence of prior direct contact between Haines and the suspect. The man suspected of attacking Helen Haines appeared in court in Australia on 21 October.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
