Australian MP loses both legs after alleged car attack, husband says

Helen Haines, the Australian MP who was hit by a car in what authorities say was a deliberate attack, has lost both her legs, her husband has confirmed.

The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, faces multiple charges and appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday.

Nugent was arrested moments after he allegedly drove his Toyota LandCruiser into the independent MP outside her electorate office in the regional town of Wangaratta, about 240km (150miles) northeast of Melbourne.

Nugent – a local from the nearby town of Tarrawingee and known as an environmental campaigner – remained silent and emotionless during his brief court appearance.Nugent’s family earlier put out a statement saying they were long-time friends with Haines, who is the independent MP for the regional seat of Indi in Victoria.

Nugent was not on the radar of police and there was no intelligence of any threat to Haines before the incident, police said.

Read more: BBC