Australian independent MP Helen Haines has been amputated of both legs after being deliberately struck by a vehicle on Monday, her husband announced on Wednesday, October 21. Phil Haines said he had been “overwhelmed by the support” received since the attack.
Surgeons Unable to Save Right Leg
Speaking at the Melbourne hospital where his wife remains in a critical condition, Phil Haines detailed the extent of her injuries.
“Helen’s left leg was amputated on Monday. We hoped her right leg could be saved, but (…) surgeons also had to amputate her right leg,” he said.
“We have been truly overwhelmed by the support we have received,” he added, referring to messages from Australia and abroad.
Suspect Charged and Brought Before Court
The man suspected of deliberately driving into the 65-year-old independent MP appeared in court on Wednesday.
The elected representative was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser on Monday near her office in the town of Wangaratta, a little more than 200 kilometres north-east of the capital of the state of Victoria.
The driver of the vehicle, Brendan Nugent, aged 43, was known to police. He has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious intentional injury, as well as a federal crime of violence against a public official, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
Outpouring of Support
- Helen Haines, 65, is an independent member of Australia’s federal parliament.
- She was struck near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
- The suspect, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, was known to police before the incident.
- He faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious intentional injury and a federal offence of violence against a public official.
- The MP remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital.
