Australian Lawmaker Knew Family Of Suspected Attacker

MOSCOW, Oct 21 (NNN-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The family of Australian man Brendan Nugent, who is accused of assaulting federal lawmaker Helen Haines, had been friends with her for more than 20 years, according to ABC on Wednesday, citing the suspect’s relatives, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

“Helen has been our friend for more than 20 years and what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable,” Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, told ABC.

The accused’s relatives described Haines as a deeply respected and beloved member of the local community and expressed their support for her family.

According to investigators, Brendan Nugent intentionally struck Haines twice with a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV near her parliamentary office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon.

The 65-year-old lost one leg and remains in critical condition, with doctors fighting to save her other leg.

The suspect appeared in court on Wednesday. His defence lawyer said Nugent suffers from a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, which affects the spinal cord, and had also sustained a concussion.

Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal public official.

The judge ordered Nugent to undergo a medical examination.

He is not seeking bail and will remain in custody until his next hearing on Feb 4, 2027.

The motive for the attack has not been established.

--NNN-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI