Helen Haines: Father of suspect in ‘attack’ on Australian MP says she is long-time family friend

Helen Haines: Father of suspect in ‘attack’ on Australian MP says she is long-time family friend Father of suspect claims knowing Helen Haines ‘for more than 20 years’ - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The father of the man suspected of driving his car at Australian MP Helen Haines on Monday says she is a long-time friend of the family. Rod Nugent and his partner, Christine Cunningham, broke their silence, saying that they have known Haines “for more than 20 years". "We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen’s aid yesterday after the shocking and horrific crime," said the father of the 43-year-old suspect, named by Australian media as Brendan Nugent. Ms Haines, 65, has lost a leg, with health officials saying that she remains critical in hospital after being rammed outside her electorate office in Victoria’s northeast on Monday afternoon. "Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community,” the family said in a statement "All of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends." More follows