Man charged with ramming Australian MP Helen Haines is the son of her FRIEND of 20 years
Rod Nugent, father of accused Brendan Nugent, 43, said what happened to Helen Haines was 'devastating and unfathomable'. He and his partner Christine Cunningham called her 'deeply respected, valued and much loved'. Haines, 65, independent MP for Indi, is critical but stable in Melbourne's Alfred hospital, where surgeons are fighting to save her other leg. Nugent will appear before Wangaratta magistrates on Wednesday.
Witnesses say the Land Cruiser reversed and struck her a second time.
Barber Ricky Jefferies restrained the driver and took a knife from him.
Counter-terror police allege the attack was targeted, and a highway patrol arrived within eight seconds.
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