Helen Haines’ accused attacker reportedly claims he did not intend to hit MP

The man accused of repeatedly striking Victorian MP Helen Haines with his car has reportedly claimed he did so accidentally and that he was in a state of panic.

Haines, 65, was hit by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on October 19.

Witnesses alleged Haines was pinned against her car by a white four-wheel drive, which reversed before striking her again multiple times.

Haines suffered critical injuries and has since had both her legs amputated, and remains in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

Brendan Nugent, 43, was detained at the scene by bystanders and has since been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Police described the alleged attack as deliberate.

Two anonymous sources familiar with the case have told The Age that Nugent claimed he never meant to drive into Haines, and that his behaviour was caused by panic.

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He also reportedly denied holding any grudge against Haines, claiming he had voted for her previously.

Investigators have said there is no evidence yet that Nugent and Haines had communicated before the attack, but that they continue to investigate any potential connections.

Haines was described as a long-term family friend by Nugent’s father Rod Nugent and his partner Christine Cunningham, who said they were “devastated” by the incident.

Nugent appeared in court last Wednesday, where concerns about his mental health were aired, and he made no bail application.

He will next appear in court on February 4.