Brendan Nugent, a 43‑year‑old man from Tarrawingee, was arrested on Monday afternoon after an alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta, Victoria.
Police say Nugent has been charged with three offences: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Victoria Police confirmed that Nugent will be held overnight and is due to appear before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The police statement added that the alleged assault appeared to be a targeted attack on the MP.
According to Nugent’s family, Helen Haines has been a friend of theirs for more than two decades, a relationship they say underscores the personal nature of the incident.
Helen Haines is a federal member of parliament representing the division of Indi in north‑eastern Victoria, a seat she has held since 2019.
The case will proceed in court later this week, with authorities set to determine the next steps pending the magistrate’s decision.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>