Man accused in Helen Haines vehicle attack appears in court

Brendan Nugent, who is accused of driving into Australian MP Helen Haines, has appeared in court in Wangaratta. He did not seek bail and remains in custody.

Nugent faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. The court also arranged for him to receive a medical examination, ABC reported.

Police allege he intentionally struck Haines twice with a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Victoria on October 19.

His father, Rod Nugent, said the family had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years. Relatives expressed support for the MP and her family and pledged to cooperate with police.

The case is scheduled to return to court on February 4, 2027.