# Accused driver reportedly tells investigators he panicked after striking Helen Haines

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/extraordinary-claim-from-man-accused-of-mowing-down-mp-helen-haines-in-horror-attack-that-cost-her-both-legs-accident/
- Published: 2026-10-28T22:41:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T22:47:33+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16247151/helen-haines-brendan-nugent-alleged-attack-new-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Business, Entertainment, Horror, Markets, World

## Key points

- Nugent reportedly says he panicked and the collision was accidental.
- Police allege the incident was deliberate and continue investigating motive.
- Haines remains seriously but stably ill after both legs were amputated.

## Summary

Brendan Nugent, who is accused of driving into federal MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta office, has reportedly told investigators it was an accident and that he panicked. Police allege the incident was deliberate; the reported account has not been tested in court, and investigators are still working to establish a motive.

Haines, the independent MP for Indi in Victoria, remains in a serious but stable condition after both legs were amputated. Nugent, 43, is in custody facing several charges, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police are examining possible connections between the pair and a potential family dispute; his case is due back in Wangaratta Local Court on 4 February.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.