BREAKING: Brendan Nugent faces court for the first time and just like that, heโs already playing the mental health card.
Five minutes in Wangaratta Magistrates Court and the script was locked in. Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, glided in wearing black Havaiana thongs, black shorts and a crinkled grey windcheater. Calm. Detached.
Twiddling his thumbs like it was a quiet maiden over while magistrate Allison Vaughan ran the proforma hearing. He didnโt speak. Showed no obvious emotion.
His lawyer immediately flagged โmental health concerns,โ a rare neurological disorder, idiopathic transverse myelitis, a concussion, and the fact this was his first time in court and he wasnโt on any medication.
No drug withdrawal issues. No bail application. Remanded until 4 February.
Meanwhile, independent MP Helen Haines remains critically ill in The Alfred in Melbourne after allegedly being deliberately rammed, twice, with Nugentโs Toyota LandCruiser outside her own Wangaratta electorate office.
Sheโs already lost one leg. Surgeons have been fighting to save the other. Police say it was targeted.
The court was packed, media turned away, and the whole thing was over before most people finished their coffee.
Neighbours had previously raised mental health concerns about him. Now the defence has the opening line on the record on day one.
Classic leftist playbook.
Soften the image early. Plant the seeds.
Make the alleged attacker the one who needs understanding while the woman he allegedly mowed down fights for her life three hours away.
Watch how this narrative develops.