Review of terror trial date
The Crown is reviewing the trial date for the man allegedly behind the Christchurch terror attack.
About 30 relatives and friends of those killed in the attack were in the High Court at Christchurch yesterday for the fourth hearing of the case, five months to the day of the shootings.
The 28-year-old Australian was excused from appearing in court for the case review hearing after a minute was issued by Justice Cameron Mander.
The man is facing 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder, and one charge of engaging in a terrorist act.
As is standard, matters discussed in the pre-trial hearing, which lasted about 50 minutes, cannot be reported until the final disposition of the prosecution.
About 30 family members and victims were in court due to a large number of people being at the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. About 15 members of the media were present for the appearance, with several police officers also seated in the front row.
A trial date had been set for May 4, 2020. An application to move the trial has been filed, which will be heard at the accused shooter’s next appearance on October 3.
The initial trial date is when Muslims will be fasting for Ramadan and victims have said it will be ‘‘very, very hard’’ to sit through a trial at this time.
The High Court earlier admitted it was not aware of the coincidence and was open to reviewing the date ‘‘if necessary’’.
The Crown believes the trial could take six weeks. A full length has yet to be determined.
Stuff earlier spoke with victims concerned about court dates coinciding with Ramadan but many were worried speaking out might interrupt the trial. Ramadan is predicted to run from about April 23 to May 23 next year.
The accused’s counsel earlier advised they did not require him to be present at the hearing. The accused also did not seek to be in attendance, either in person or by way of audiovisual link.
The Crown also did not require his presence in court and did not oppose the absence.