Victims pleased terror trial to stay in Chch

Victims are pleased the man accused of the Christchurch mosque terror attacks withdrew an application to move the trial out of the city.

A hearing was held in the High Court at Christchurch yesterday relating to the defendant’s request to move the trial out of the city.

Brenton Tarrant appeared by audiovisual link from the high-security wing of Auckland Prison at Paremoremo.

The 28-year-old Australian smirked throughout the appearance.

Tarrant’s lawyer, Shane Tait, withdrew an application for the trial to be shifted, and the application was dismissed. The defendant was remanded in custody until December 12.

The accused pleaded not guilty to 51 charges of murder and 40 charges of attempted murder, as well as a charge of engaging in a terrorist act, when he appeared by audiovisual link at the High Court at Christchurch in June.

A trial is scheduled to take four weeks starting on June 2 next year. It was originally to be held in May, but that clashed with Ramadan.

Mosque attack victim Feroze Ditta said he was pleased the trial would proceed in Christchurch as it was important members of the Muslim community could attend if they wanted.

‘‘What it means for us, for it to remain in Christchurch, is that the community will be able to attend and be part of the ongoing court process, whereas if it was moved from Christchurch it would be a logistical nightmare for people to get there.’’

The former truck driver was forced to give up his job after being shot twice in his left leg during the attack.