Police probe whether family dispute was linked to alleged attack on Helen Haines
Police are examining whether an alleged rift between Brendan Nugent and his family is relevant to their investigation into the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said officers were keeping every line of inquiry open, including the possibility that the incident was connected to grievances involving Nugent’s family.
Haines, 65, is in a critical but stable condition after both legs were amputated following severe injuries. Nugent, 43, was arrested in Wangaratta on Monday and charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm; he remains in custody and has not applied for bail. Bush said Nugent’s father and his father’s partner had been very helpful to police.
In short
- Police are investigating a possible family rift.
- Haines remains critically ill after losing both legs.
- Nugent is in custody on multiple charges.
Explained simply
Helen Haines is an independent member of Australia’s federal parliament, representing the rural electorate of Indi in Victoria. Victoria Police are investigating an alleged attack that left her with severe injuries; Brendan Nugent has been charged over the incident, and the charges have not been proved in court.
Police are also considering whether a reported dispute involving Nugent and his family is relevant to the case. Investigators can examine possible motives as well as the events themselves, while Nugent’s family members may be asked to assist with inquiries.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Nugent family rift and ‘proxy’ theory probed by police after alleged attack on MP Helen Haines”.