Brendan Nugent, the 43-year-old man accused of driving his vehicle into federal MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office, has appeared in the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court as details of his medical history emerged.
Mr. Nugent, of Tarrawingee, was flanked by security guards when he was brought into the small, media-packed courtroom shortly after 10:00 am on Wednesday. He is facing a series of serious charges, including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal offense of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
During the brief hearing, Mr. Nugent’s defense lawyer revealed that his client suffers from idiopathic transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition affecting the spinal cord that can cause paralysis, numbness, and sharp pain. The lawyer also noted that Mr. Nugent had been suffering from a concussion and was not currently receiving medication, telling the court it was unclear if his client had been examined by a doctor since his arrest.
Mr. Nugent, dressed in a grey jumper and black pants, sat in the dock but did not speak. His lawyer did not apply for bail, and no plea was entered. Magistrate Vaughan ordered that a medical professional see the defendant immediately.
The court was also informed of additional police charges against the accused, which include the cultivation and possession of cannabis.
The attack on Ms. Haines, 65, occurred outside her electorate office, where witnesses alleged that Mr. Nugent’s Toyota LandCruiser was used to repeatedly ram the Indi MP. Ms. Haines remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition; reports have confirmed she has undergone the amputation of one of her legs.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated at a press conference earlier today that the investigation is “far from complete.” Authorities have indicated they are not ruling out the possibility of further serious charges being laid as the investigation continues.
Magistrate Vaughan directed that the police brief of evidence be finalized and served to the defense by December 24. The matter is scheduled to return to the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
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