No bail for alleged Helen Haines attacker as police chief warns of Australia’s ‘febrile’ political environment
AFP commissioner says MPs are generally concerned about growing volume of abuse and intimidation Follow our live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The head of the Australian federal police has condemned a “febrile” political environment that has seen one person charged every week over the alleged threatening of MPs, as Victoria announces new…
Victoria police Commissioner Mike Bush has warned of Australia's "febrile" political environment following a targeted attack on independent MP Helen Haines. The 43-year-old attacker, Brendan Nugent, faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury, as well as a federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Haines, who lost a leg and remains in critical but stable condition, is set to have a committal hearing on February 4. Nugent appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday, looking downcast and not requesting bail. Magistrate Allison Vaughan noted that Nugent has mental health and neurological concerns, including a concussion and idiopathic transverse myelitis. Police have yet to find any intelligence indicating Nugent posed an immediate threat.
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