Suspect in vehicle attack on Australian lawmaker appears in court as police probe motive
Police say the alleged attack was deliberate but isolated, and investigators are examining possible political motives as Nugent remains in custody.
- Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury to independent MP Helen Haines. He made no bail application during the five-minute hearing.
- On Monday, a vehicle struck Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, leaving the MP critically injured. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described the incident as a "deliberate but isolated act."
- Nugent faces additional Commonwealth charges of causing harm to a public official and alleged cannabis possession. His lawyer cited a rare neurological condition and concussion as health concerns.
- Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett reported national security teams are "charging almost one individual every week for targeting Commonwealth parliamentarians," citing growing political polarization and extremist views online.
- Magistrate Allison Vaughan scheduled Nugent's next court appearance for February 4, while police deployed extra officers to Wangaratta to monitor threats against politicians.
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23 Articles
Man in court over car attack that cost Australian MP her leg
A man who allegedly rammed his car into Australian lawmaker Helen Haines outside her electoral office appeared in court on Wednesday, as police sought to understand the motive for the rare attack on an elected official. Doctors amputated one of Haines’ legs after the alleged attacker struck her twice with his car in Wangaratta, northeast […]
An Australian man accused of several crimes who drove into a member of parliament, Helen Haines, on Monday appeared in court and will remain in custody until his next hearing in February, news agencies reported. The accused, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, did not speak in court. His lawyer said Nugent suffers from a rare neurological disorder. Haines is in hospital and doctors had to amputate her leg.
Police Probe Motive as Court Hears MP Attack Suspect Has Neurological Condition
Brendan Nugent, the man alleged to have critically wounded Australian lawmaker Helen Haines in a "targeted" attack leaves the Wangaratta Magistrates Court in Wangaratta in Victoria, Australa on Oct. 21, 2026. (Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images)
The motive for the attack remains unknown and authorities in Australia have refused to speculate as the investigation is ongoing. The post Australia: 43-year-old man who attacked MP Haynes with a car was brought to court appeared first on in.gr.
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