The man accused of driving his vehicle into federal MP Helen Haines multiple times has claimed the incident was an accident and that he panicked, according to reports.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of ramming his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her office in Wangaratta on October 19. Police have alleged the attack was deliberate.
Sources familiar with the investigation told The Age that Nugent stated he never intended to drive into Haines and that he has never held a grudge against her. He also claimed to have previously voted for Haines, the independent MP for Indi since 2019.
Nugent remains in custody after being charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He is next due in Wangaratta Local Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
Haines remains in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where both her legs were amputated following the incident. Her electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga are scheduled to reopen three days a week for the remainder of 2026.
Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that authorities are investigating all potential motives and connections, including whether the alleged attack was a 'proxy' for grievances involving Nugent's family. He stated that police are examining all records and have not ruled out further charges.
It has been reported that Nugent's father and his partner have been friends with Haines for over two decades. Investigators are also looking into a potential rift between Nugent and his family, with reports suggesting he had not had a civil conversation with his father or the partner for more than four years.
Parliament unanimously expressed support for Haines when it reconvened. Her husband, Phil, stated that her first words after surgery were concern for her staff and gratitude to first responders.