Australian MP Helen Haines had both legs amputated after she was deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, north-east of Melbourne, on Monday. The news of the amputation was announced on Wednesday by her husband, Phil Haines.
Phil Haines said at a press conference that doctors had attempted to save his wife's legs but were unsuccessful. "The good news is that Helen is alive and stable. That is the most important thing for our family," he stated.
Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old resident of the town of Tarrawingee, which is located in Haines' electoral district, has been charged with the attack. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, intentionally causing grievous bodily harm, and assaulting a public official. According to court documents, he has additionally been charged with cultivating and possessing marijuana. Bystanders subdued Nugent after the attack before police arrived.
Helen Haines is an independent MP, known for her advocacy for environmental protection and affordable housing. Police are still investigating the motive behind this rare attack on an elected official in Australia.
During a brief court appearance, his lawyers stated that the accused suffers from a rare neurological disorder and had been treated for a concussion. They added that their client has mental health issues and that this is his first time in custody.
