Man is charged over 'targeted' car attack that cost Australian MP her leg, as his father calls her a 20-year friend
Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly performed a U-turn in a Toyota LandCruiser and hit independent MP Helen Haines, 65, outside her Wangaratta office. Police say he then reversed the vehicle and struck her a second time. He faces three charges, one of which involves causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. His father Rod Nugent called the attack 'devastating and unfathomable'.
Haines is in a critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital, where surgeons are fighting to save her remaining leg.
Barber Ricky Jefferies pulled the suspect from the vehicle and took a knife from his pocket.
Social media posts linked to Nugent contained references to Gaza and anti-logging causes.
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