Business · Economy 51
T he media pack was so large when it descended on Wangaratta magistrate’s court on Wednesday morning, not everyone could fit in the courtroom. They spilled into the hallway, forced to try to log in remotely or pick up clues from afar. Everyone was hoping to catch a glimpse of Brendan Nugent, who was arrested less than 100 metres away two days earlier after allegedly ramming the independent MP, Helen Haines , twice in a targeted attack outside her electorate office.
That office remained shuttered on Wednesday and eerily quiet, but for dozens of flowers and cards that had been left for Haines as she remains in hospital in a critical condition, with surgeons fighting to save her other leg. The 43-year-old’s motive remains under investigation, and a mystery to the dozens of reporters crammed into courtroom two. He said nothing during his brief hearing, and stared straight ahead, looking downcast in a grey jumper, with a long beard.
He did not request bail, and will remain in custody until a committal mention on 4 February next year. The magistrate, Allison Vaughan, noted Nugent had mental health and neurological concerns, and that it was his first time in custody. His lawyer, Chirag Patel, said Nugent suffered from idiopathic transverse myelitis - a rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, that can result in muscle weakness, pain and bladder dysfunction.
He was also concussed, Patel said. He is not on any prescribed medication and Patel said he was not withdrawing from any substances, however Vaughan asked a mental health professional to see Nugent immediately after he appeared in court. It was his first time in custody – and one of the most significant media cases in what typically operates as a quiet regional courthouse.
Bemused onlookers stood on the sidelines. There were no family or friends there to support Nugent in court. The only local resident was a neighbour in Tarrawingee, who sat, resolute, in the front row.
The neighbour, who asked for their name to be withheld, said they were shaking but “wanted to look him in the eye”. “I felt it was something I needed to do,” the neighbour told Guardian Australia after court . “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.” In a matter of minutes, the hearing was over, and Nugent exited through the back door. Cameras swarmed at the rear exit, positioning their lenses through a fence. Others waited on the top of a nearby carpark, hoping to snap a shot from afar.
As Nugent returns to a prison cell, the community continues to rally around their local member. Haines is a beloved MP , highly active in her community, not only during her time in parliament but her extensive career in healthcare. She was a midwife to many locals.
Nugent’s father revealed on Tuesday they’d been friends for decades . This hits close. With the media pack remaining centred on the courthouse, the flowers, balloons and notes of appreciation continued to grow at her nearby electorate office, many in the signature orange of the regional independent movement.
“To doctor Helen Haines, to show you some support you’ve shown us through difficult times,” one reads from the eastern region of Victoria police. Another, in child’s writing, says simply: “To Helen Haines , you’re very nice.”
Source: The Guardian
