The Newshound

Australian police probe family rift of man charged over car-ramming that cost MP Helen Haines both legs

Helen Haines and her husband Phil Haines, who said "the good news in all this is that she's alive" after surgeons were unable to save either of the Australian MP's legs following an alleged car ramming.
Helen Haines and her husband Phil Haines, who said "the good news in all this is that she's alive" after surgeons were unable to save either of the Australian MP's legs following an alleged car ramming.

Brendan Nugent's father Rod and stepmother Christine Cunningham have been close friends of Helen Haines for 20 years. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said 'every line of inquiry is open' and praised the couple as 'absolutely cooperating'. Nugent, 43, faces a charge of intentionally causing serious injury and remains in custody. Haines is critical but stable at The Alfred in Melbourne.

Nugent's last contact with his father was ten months ago, when he showed up on New Year's Eve and directed a tirade at the couple.

A man, 56, is charged after brandishing nunchucks in minister Hannah Beazley's Perth office.

Within 24 hours, donations to Save the Children in Haines's honour surpassed $350,000 from Australians across the country.

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