Sentencing date for New Zealand mosque attack gunman delayed
A date for the sentencing of the gunman responsible for the 2019 terror attacks on two mosques in New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed and dozens others wounded, has been delayed.
The 29-year-old Australian man was due to appear at the Christchurch High Court on Friday to set a date for his sentencing. However, Justice Cameron Mander issued a minute on Thursday stating the sentencing will likely take place in June.
“Matters are being advanced, however, it has not yet been possible to set a firm sentencing hearing date,” the minute stated.
“It has been necessary to further remand the defendant to another nominal date of June 2 2020.”
At the man’s last appearance, Mander said there was “no intention” to sentence the man before the Court returns to its normal pre-Covid-19 operation.
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“It is fully anticipated that all who wish to attend Court for the sentencing hearing will be able to do so in person.”
Public access to court buildings is being limited for safety reasons during New Zealand’s coronavirus lockdown measures.
In March, the man pleaded guilty to 51 murder charges and 40 attempted murder charges, as well as one charge of engaging in a terrorist act in relation to the attacks. (dpa)
