Police arrested 43-year-old Brendan Nugent on Monday and charged him with attacking federal MP Helen Haines, a long-time friend of his family. Nugent's home is on the edge of Tarrawingee, a town of about 400 people near Wangaratta. Residents say he was not part of the community and had caused disturbances from the property. Police are investigating a reported rift in the family, and the alleged attack on Ms Haines is being examined as possibly an attack on that family. Nugent's next court appearance is in February.
A 66-year-old woman has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly trying to snatch a teenage girl's hijab at Manly, in Brisbane's bayside. The woman, from Lakeland in far north Queensland, is accused of twice verbally harassing a group of people on February 21 at Bayside Park. It is also alleged she tried to remove a hijab from a teenager in the group. On September 22, counter terrorism police searched a Manly property and charged her with common assault with a serious vilification or hate crime circumstance of aggravation.
Former Bachelor star Sam Wood has been refused bail after being charged with assaulting and strangling his wife on a family holiday in Noosa. Police allege Wood threw his wife against a wall and tried to strangle her after an argument. Magistrate Janelle Boegheim said a prior allegation from Victoria was not proof of any criminal conduct. Wood denies both charges. He has been transferred to a Brisbane prison, and his legal team plans to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
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Matty J, a former Bachelor contestant, writes that he once admired Sam Wood as a benchmark for success. Wood has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting, with allegations that he strangled his wife, Snezana. The prosecution told the court she feared for her life. Acting Magistrate Janelle Boegheim refused Wood bail, and his lawyers say he will defend the charges. Matty J urges men to challenge harmful ideas of masculinity and to hold their mates accountable. Support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
