Brendan Nugent’s Alleged Attack Linked to Neurological Condition, Lawyer Claims
Brendan Nugent, charged in connection with the attack on MP Helen Haines, will remain in custody until a committal mention on 4 February, having opted not to apply for bail. Magistrate Allison Vaughan noted that this was Nugent’s first experience in custody and highlighted his mental health and neurological issues.
Nugent is not taking any prescribed medication, according to his lawyer, Chirag Patel, who added that Nugent is not withdrawing from substances. However, Vaughan has requested a mental health professional to assess him immediately following his court appearance. Patel further revealed that Nugent suffers from concussion and idiopathic transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition.
In addition to serious injury charges already filed against him, Nugent now faces an additional count related to the cultivation and use of cannabis.
During Nugent’s court appearance, a local neighbour expressed their need to confront him directly, stating it felt necessary to look him in the eye. They remarked, “I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing, but I’m really glad I have now. It’s like it’s finishing off a very bad chapter in our life.”
Meanwhile, outside Haines’s electoral office, which is close to Wangaratta magistrates court, floral tributes continue to accumulate. One message reads: “To doctor Helen Haines, to show you some support you’ve shown us through difficult times.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that they had “no specific intelligence” regarding any threats prior to the attack, and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve their monitoring capabilities of the increasing online abuse directed at politicians.
Haines remains in a critical condition in hospital after extensive surgery, and further updates on her health are anticipated throughout the day.
