The man accused of running over federal MP Helen Haines multiple times has reportedly said the incident was an accident and that he panicked.
The independent member for Indi in Victoria’s north-east remains in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital after both of her legs were amputated.
Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly drove his Toyota LandCruiser into Ms Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19. Police have described the incident as a deliberate attack.
Nugent remains in custody after being charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Several sources familiar with the investigation told The Age that Nugent said he had never intended to drive into Haines.
He reportedly told investigators that he had never held a grudge against Haines and that panic drove his alleged actions at the scene.
Nugent also claimed he had voted for Haines in the past. She has represented Indi as its federal MP since 2019.
Police and federal authorities are continuing to examine whether Nugent and Haines had any prior connection as they work to determine a possible motive.
Brendan Nugent has reportedly said the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines was an accident.
He also claimed he had previously voted for Helen Haines, who has represented Indi in federal parliament since 2019.
“We’re checking all records, both Helen’s, ours and others,” Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters last week.
“And we are not ruling out further serious charges.”
It has previously emerged that Nugent’s father, Rod, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years.
Investigators are also looking into whether Nugent had a falling-out with members of his family.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Ben Shephard Arrest News: Is Television Presenter Arrested? – NewsFinale
The inquiry follows reports that Nugent and Cunningham had not shared a civil conversation with him for more than four years. They last saw him 10 months ago, when he arrived at their home without warning.
Last Friday, Commissioner Bush was asked whether police were investigating the possibility that the alleged attack on Haines was a “proxy” for grievances involving Nugent’s family.
“Yes, it is,” he told ABC Mildura.
“It sounds like a cliché, but every line of inquiry is open… Every action is under review.”
Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly rammed his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19 in what police have described as a deliberate attack.
Brendan Nugent, 43, pictured after his arrest, remains behind bars after being charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He added that Nugent’s father and Ms Cunningham had been ‘absolutely cooperating’ with the police investigation.
All sides of parliament united in paying heartfelt tributes to Haines when it sat on Monday for the first time since the alleged attack.
Her husband, Phil, told those assembled that Haines’ first words after waking from surgery were to express concern for her staff and gratitude to first responders.
Nugent’s case will return to Wangaratta Local Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
The update comes as Haines’ staff prepare to reopen her electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga on Thursday.
The offices will be open three days a week for the remainder of 2026.
‘Thank you to everyone who continues to show such care and support for Helen, her family and our team,’ a statement on Haines’ page read.