Key facts
- Independent MP Helen Haines is in serious but stable condition.
- Haines lost both legs following an alleged attack on Monday.
- Brendan Nugent faces charges including causing harm to a commonwealth public official.
Independent MP Helen Haines's condition has improved to serious but stable after she lost both legs following an alleged attack near her electorate office in north-east Victoria on Monday afternoon. Surgeons had attempted to save her right leg, but both had to be amputated. Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official, along with additional charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared in court on Wednesday and did not seek bail. Haines's staff indicated on Friday that her electorate offices would reopen next Thursday as she recovers.