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Helen Haines remains critical as accused faces court

By Corowa Free Press

Oct 21, 2026

Indi MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition in the Alfred Hospital this morning after losing one leg in Monday’s attack outside her office.

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Doctors are working to save her second leg and a spokesperson for the Alfred Hospital says they would provide a further update later this afternoon.

Brendan Nugent, 43, the man accused of twice ramming Dr Haines with his car is appearing in Wangaratta Magistrates Court this morning charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Victoria’s police commissioner has not ruled out further charges.

Yesterday, Mr Nugent’s father publicly revealed that the family and Dr Haines had been friends for more than 20 years.

A nationwide vigil for Dr Haines is being held on Friday, October 23 at 8pm Victoria time.

People across Australia will join together to show support their support by lighting a candle and standing in silence for 15 minutes outside your front door, on your verandah, in your garden or beside a window.