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Brendan Nugent charged over alleged vehicle attack on MP Helen Haines
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First appearance completed; next hearing set for February 4
Brendan Nugent made his first appearance at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on October 21 over the alleged vehicle attack on Australian MP Helen Haines. He entered no pleas and did not apply for bail, local court reporter Monique Preston reported. Reuters also reported no bail application and a further hearing scheduled for February 4. The appearance follows charges concerning the October 19 incident. Police say the motive remains unknown. The hearing establishes the case’s next procedural step without determining guilt.
Reuters: Suspect in vehicle attack on Australian lawmaker appears in court as police probe motive · Benalla Ensign: Ramming accused faces court
Three charges filed; court appearance scheduled for October 21
Victoria Police have charged Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, ABC reported on October 20. He is due before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on October 21. The charges follow allegations that he struck MP Helen Haines with a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on October 19. The prosecution is the new development following his arrest; the charges do not establish guilt.