Australian MP Helen Haines upgraded to serious but stable after alleged car attack
Independent MP Helen Haines is in serious but stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital after losing both legs in an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta office; a suspect faces charges.
The story in focus
Australian independent MP Helen Haines has improved from critical to serious but stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, five days after an alleged deliberate car attack outside her Wangaratta electorate office that led to the amputation of both her legs. A 43-year-old suspect has appeared in court on multiple charges.
- Helen Haines, 65, was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon.
- Both her legs were amputated due to the severity of her injuries.
- The Alfred Hospital said on Saturday morning she was in a serious but stable condition.
- Brendan Nugent, 43, has appeared in court on three charges including intentionally causing serious injury.
- Police said more charges, including attempted murder, might be laid.
Condition improves
Independent federal MP Helen Haines has been upgraded from critical to serious but stable condition, Melbourne's Alfred Hospital said on Saturday morning. The update came five days after the 65-year-old was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria, on Monday afternoon.
Surgeons amputated both of Haines's legs due to the severity of her injuries. Her husband, Phil Haines, said on Wednesday that the incident had caused significant injuries but that her heart and mind were in good shape.
Haines, the member for the Victorian seat of Indi, entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife. Her staff said her electorate offices were expected to reopen next Thursday.
Charges and investigation
Brendan Nugent, 43, of nearby Tarrawingee, was arrested shortly after the incident. He appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates' Court on Wednesday facing charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Court documents later showed two additional cannabis-related charges.
Nugent did not apply for bail. His lawyer cited mental health concerns without providing detail. Victoria Police said its investigation, supported by the Australian Federal Police, is ongoing and a motive has not been established. Police said more charges, including attempted murder, might be laid.
What is Helen Haines's current medical condition?
Melbourne's Alfred Hospital said on Saturday morning that Haines was in a serious but stable condition, an improvement from critical after both her legs were amputated following Monday's alleged attack.
Sources & further reading
- Australian MP's condition improves after alleged car attack ↗BBC News
- Helen Haines’s condition improves days after losing both legs from alleged attack ↗The Guardian
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