Suspect in Court for Car Attack on Australia MP

MELBOURNE - A driver accused of intentionally causing serious injury to Australian MP Helen Haines by hitting her with his car appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday as police said they were still investigating his apparent motivations.

Meanwhile, Haines remains in critical condition after an apparent escalation in political violence that has shocked a nation where such crimes are rare. The 65-year-old independent MP's condition hasn't changed, according to an update Wednesday from a Melbourne hospital where she is being treated. No further details have been officially supplied about the injuries she sustained when she was struck Monday by a Toyota SUV outside her office in the city of Wangaratta, in Victoria state.

Police allege it was a targeted incident. Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee, is charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal official. When Nugent faced Wangaratta Magistrates' Court Wednesday, he didn't apply for bail or enter a plea. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February.

Investigators haven't ruled out further serious charges, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters in Melbourne. Bush wouldn't elaborate on the suspect's believed motivations but said that question will form the centrepiece of the police inquiry.
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