The man appeared before Judge David Robinson for a judge alone trial today in the Dunedin District Court. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A government employee is on trial for possessing video from the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
The man appeared before Judge David Robinson for a judge alone trial today in the Dunedin District Court, charged with possessing an objectionable publication.
The penalties are a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, or a fine of up to $50,000.
His lawyer Anne Stevens KC told RNZ his defence was that he did not have actual possession of the video, but even if possession was proved he had a lawful excuse.
Stevens confirmed three video segments of the shooting were involved.
"He thought he could transfer it from his work phone to his personal phone," she said.
Judge Robinson reserved his decision until later this week.
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