Helen Haines, an Australian MP, had both legs amputated after being hit by a car on Monday. Her husband, Phil Haines, said she was alive and stable after the operation, while Brendan Nugent is due back in court in February.
Phil Haines update
Phil Haines said his wife had to have both legs amputated after the crash. He described the update as good news because she was alive and stable, even after the severe lower body injuries she suffered on Monday.
He also asked people who want to send flowers or support her financially to donate to the Save the Children fund instead. In the same update, he said the family was going through a horrendous thing, but added that they were very loving and very supportive.
Brendan Nugent court case
Brendan Nugent, 43, briefly faced court after the alleged attack and did not apply for bail. He has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Police have not ruled out additional charges, including attempted murder. That leaves the legal case open to become more serious, depending on what investigators decide to pursue before Nugent returns to court in February.
Sam Mostyn response
Sam Mostyn said the violent attack must be a moment for people to pause and choose to be better. She also said people should reach out to those distressed by what happened and “exercise our muscle of decency.”
For Haines, the immediate issue is recovery after life-changing injuries. For the case against Nugent, the next step is the February court appearance, where the existing charges will remain in place and any further allegations would have to be brought through the same legal process.
