The man accused of deliberately running down independent MP Helen Haines could face an attempted murder charge, police have revealed, as the 65-year-old remains critically ill in a Melbourne hospital.
Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, two days after the shocking attack outside Ms Haines’ electorate office in north-east Victoria.
The popular federal MP has lost one leg following the incident, with surgeons working to save the other. She remains in a critical but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed investigators were considering further serious charges against the accused, including attempted murder.
“While I say this investigation is far from complete, we are not ruling out further serious charges,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Asked specifically whether attempted murder was being considered, Mr Bush confirmed it remained a possibility, stressing that investigators would follow the evidence.
Mr Nugent has already been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a public official.
Court documents have now revealed two additional charges relating to cultivating and possessing cannabis, allegedly at his home in Tarrawingee.
During Wednesday’s brief court appearance, Mr Nugent’s lawyer, Chirag Patel, revealed his client suffers from a rare neurological condition known as idiopathic transverse myelitis, which affects the spinal cord.
The court was also told Mr Nugent had suffered a concussion and had mental health concerns.
Magistrate Allison Vaughan ordered that he be seen by a medical professional immediately after the hearing.
No application for bail was made, and Mr Nugent was remanded in custody until February 4, when he is due to return to court.
Police have also revealed that the alleged attack unfolded in a matter of seconds.
Investigators allege Mr Nugent deliberately drove his Toyota LandCruiser into Ms Haines outside her Wangaratta office on Monday afternoon, with witnesses reporting that the vehicle struck her more than once.
Mr Bush described the incident as a deliberate but isolated act, saying authorities had no evidence of an ongoing threat to the community.
The motive remains unknown.
Despite reports that Mr Nugent’s family had known Ms Haines for more than 20 years, police said they had not established any previous direct personal contact between the accused and the MP.
Authorities are examining his social media activity and personal history as part of the investigation.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett also revealed the growing scale of threats against Australian politicians, saying almost one person every week was being charged over alleged unlawful behaviour targeting Commonwealth officials.
She expressed hope that the shocking attack would prompt Australians to reflect on the increasingly hostile environment facing elected representatives.
Meanwhile, the people of Wangaratta continue to rally around their much-loved local MP.
Flowers and messages of support have been left outside her electorate office, while community members have gathered to express their shock and sadness.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies, who reportedly intervened to restrain the suspected driver after the attack, has been hailed a hero by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“That person is a hero today,” Mr Albanese said, praising an intervention he believed may have prevented further harm.
Ms Haines’ family has thanked the bystanders, emergency workers and hospital staff who rushed to her aid, while asking for privacy during an unimaginably difficult time.
For now, the focus remains on her fight for recovery.
The Alfred Hospital confirmed on Wednesday morning that her condition remained critical, with a further medical update expected later in the day.
