Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after being struck by a vehicle in an incident that police are treating as a deliberate attack.
Her husband, Phil Haines, confirmed that she had suffered serious injuries, but said that she was mentally well.
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The incident occurred on Monday afternoon outside the MP’s electoral office in Wangaratta, about 240 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, Australia. The suspect, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, was arrested at the scene and faces several criminal charges.
In a statement to the media from Melbourne, where Helen Haines is receiving medical treatment, her husband described the incident as serious and stressed that her survival was good news for the family.
“Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know that she is a fighter,” Phil Haines said, thanking medical staff and everyone who had offered their support.
Brendan Nugent appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, where he faced three charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and injuring a Commonwealth public official.
He did not seek bail and will appear in court again during February. According to court documents, he also faces charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis. Police have said that other offences, including attempted murder, may also be considered.
According to authorities, Nugent had not previously come to the attention of police, and there had been no information about threats against the MP before the incident. Investigators are also examining whether the use of drugs or medication may have contributed to the incident and whether there was any personal connection between them.
Earlier, the suspect’s family said that he had had a friendly relationship with Helen Haines for a long time and described the incident as devastating and unimaginable.
