13 Jul 2020

Christchurch mass murderer plans to speak at sentencing

From Checkpoint, 5:17 pm on 13 July 2020

Mass murderer Brenton Tarrant will speak for himself at his sentencing next month after firing his lawyers, raising concerns it may be difficult to control what he says in court.

But a leading criminal barrister say there are tight legal constraints on what the mosque gunman can speak to at sentencing and also on his access to victim statements.

In March, the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one charge under the Terrorism Suppression Act relating to attacks at the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques.

Marie Dyhrberg says it's his legal to represent himself - despite what people may think of his crimes.