Helen Haines remains critical while police allege attacker Brendan Nugent’s possible family motive
A major health update has been issued for MP Helen Haines while police confirm a possible motive in her attack.
Independent member for Indi Dr Helen Haines remains in a critical condition in hospital following an allegedly targeted attack outside her electorate office on Monday.
The 65-year-old federal MP sustained horrific lower body injuries after being repeatedly pinned against her car by a LandCruiser allegedly driven by 43-year-old Brendan Nugent.
Dr Haines’ had both of her legs amputated in an effort to save her life.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.7News reported on Friday that health officials have confirmed she is stable but remains in a critical condition, with husband Phil Haines saying his wife has a “long and difficult” road to recovery.
The health update comes on the same day police revealed a new line of inquiry regarding Mr Nugent’s motives for the alleged attack.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush told ABC Radio Mildura on Friday morning that police are investigating every line of possibility, including whether Mr Nugent suffered a psychotic episode amidst a family feud with his father and step-mother, who revealed their relationship to Dr Haines earlier this week.
Rod Nugent and his partner Christine Cunningham released a statement on Tuesday saying they had been friends with the MP for 20 years.
When asked if the attack on Dr Haines was a “proxy” for Mr Nugent’s family, Commissioner Bush replied: “Yes, it is.”
It is one of several possible motives under investigation after CCTV captured Mr Nugent performing a U-turn moments before he allegedly rammed Dr Haines who was at the boot of her car.
Commissioner Bush confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that Mr Nugent and Dr Haines are not believed to have a relationship of their own.
Local vigils have been carried out in Dr Haines’ honour throughout the week, but Australians are being encouraged to participate in a national candlelight vigil at 8pm AEDT on Friday.
“Light a candle and stand quietly for 15 minutes. Outside your front door, on your verandah, in your garden or beside a window. Wherever you are, you can be a part of this simple gesture of compassion,” an open invitation on Facebook said.
Mr Nugent has faced court this week charged with intentionally causing serious injury and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a public official and will next appear in court on February 4.
