Idiopathic transverse myelitis: Aus MP's alleged attacker's condition
Brendan Nugent appeared in court following an incident that left Australian MP Helen Haines with severe injuries, including the loss of both legs. The defense claims Nugent suffers from idiopathic transverse myelitis, a neurological condition affecting his mental health.
Why it matters
The case involves a high-profile political figure and raises questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal liability.
The man alleged to have attacked independent MP Helen Haines on Monday, Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday. <b>By Sarah Hellewell for The Conversation</b> He was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, as well as cultivating and processing cannabis. Helen Haines has <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/21/australian-mp-loses-both-legs-alleged-attacker-in-court/">lost both legs</a>, her husband Phil Haines announced on Wednesday afternoon. She is in a stable condition in hospital. According to Nugent’s lawyer, Chirag Patel, his client had a concussion and experienced the neurological condition idiopathic transverse myelitis, which Patel said affected his mental health, adding he was not currently medicated. So what exactly is this condition? Here’s what you need to know. Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.
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