Australian MP Helen Haines Has Both Legs Amputated After Deliberate Car Attack
Helen Haines, an independent member of Australia's parliament, has had both legs amputated after being hit by a car in Victoria state, and she remains in critical condition. A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, has been charged over the attack.
Helen Haines, a 65-year-old independent member of Australia's parliament, has had both legs amputated following a car attack on Monday, her husband Phil Haines said on Wednesday. She remains in critical condition. The incident took place in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia, and media have speculated that it may have been an act of political violence.
What happened
According to witnesses, the driver first struck Haines with a vehicle, pinning her against another car, then returned and hit her several more times. She was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Melbourne, where she is being treated.
Her husband said her left leg was amputated on Monday and the right one on Wednesday, after doctors had lost hope of saving it.
Court proceedings
The man accused of the attack, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday. He faces charges of intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal official.
Nugent will remain in custody until his next hearing in February. Police have not yet established a motive. His lawyer said the client may have mental health problems and concussion, but did not explain what caused the concussion.
