World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Accused man says he panicked when car struck MP Helen Haines
Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on October 19.
Haines, who represents the electorate of Indi, is in serious but stable condition after both her legs were amputated.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He has reportedly said he did not mean to hit Haines and panicked.
Police are investigating possible links between Nugent and Haines, as well as whether a family dispute could be connected to the alleged attack.
Haines’ electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga are due to reopen three days a week for the rest of 2026.
Nugent’s case is due back in Wangaratta Local Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
Brendan Nugent, 43, reportedly says he panicked and did not intend to hit federal MP Helen Haines with his car.
Police allege Nugent deliberately drove his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her office in Wangaratta on October 19.
Haines is in serious but stable condition in Melbourne after both her legs were amputated.
Nugent remains in custody and faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Police are investigating possible connections between Nugent and Haines, as well as a potential rift between Nugent and his family.
- Who
- Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of striking MP Helen Haines with his car.
- What
- Nugent reportedly says it was an accident and that he panicked. Police allege the incident was deliberate.
- When
- October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Outside Haines’ office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
- Why
- The motive is not stated. Police are investigating possible connections and other lines of inquiry.
Brendan Nugent
Victoria Police
Aspect
Brendan Nugent
Nugent reportedly says he did not intend to hit Haines and that he panicked.
Victoria Police
Police allege he deliberately drove into Haines.
Aspect
Brendan Nugent
Nugent reportedly says he has never held a grudge against Haines and had previously voted for her.
Victoria Police
Police are investigating possible connections between Nugent and Haines and whether the alleged attack was linked to grievances involving his family.
Police allege Nugent drove his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her office in Wangaratta.
Reports said Nugent claimed the incident was an accident and that he panicked.
Nugent’s case is due back at Wangaratta Local Court for a committal mention hearing.
- Accused
- Brendan Nugent, 43
- MP
- Helen Haines, independent MP for Indi
- Incident location
- Outside Haines’ office in Wangaratta
- Vehicle
- Toyota LandCruiser
- Haines’ condition
- Serious but stable; both legs amputated
- Next court date
- February 4, Wangaratta Local Court
2 sources
What people are saying
We're checking all records, both Helen's, ours and others,
Yes, it is,