A bizarre link between cop killer Dezi Freeman and the man accused of mowing down MP Helen Haines has been revealed.
Porepunkah landlord Rebecca Swift has revealed herself as a single degree of separation between Freeman and Brendan Nugent, Dr Haines’ suspected attacker.
In a video published on YouTube, Ms Swift confirms that both men are known to her, and that she was Freeman’s landlord while he lived on a bus on her property with his wife and two children.
Freeman was shot dead during a stand-off with police in May this year, following seven months on the run over the shooting murders of two police officers executing a search warrant at his Porepunkah home.
In the YouTube clip, Ms Swift goes on the give what she describes as a “media cease and desist” message, urging journalists not to publish defamatory details about her connection to both man.
“Yes, I know both of them,” she says in the three minute video, published on an account called The Freeman Files.
She then goes on the say she does not want to be mentioned “inappropriately” in the media.
“On behalf of me and my family, we want to say that we’re deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on Helen Haines on Monday,” she says. “And our sympathy and well wishes and prayers are with Helen and her family.”
Ms Swift did not elaborate on her connection with Mr Nugent, who is facing a number of charges in relation to the attack on Dr Haines.
He has appeared in court last week facing three charges relating to the alleged attack – intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He is also facing two unrelated drugs charges.
The 43-year-old, of Tarrawingee, is accused of driving his Toyota LandCruiser into Dr Haines just over a week ago.
The incident happened outside Dr Haines’ electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday, October 19.
Dr Haines continues to recover in hospital following the alleged attack, which has resulted in both of her legs requiring amputation.
She is being treated in the Alfred hospital in Melbourne, having been admitted eight days ago.
As of Tuesday morning, a spokesman for the hospital confirmed she remains in a serious, but stable condition.
A further update on her condition is due to be issued on Wednesday morning.