Psychiatric report coming for accused Darwin mass shooter ahead of trial

The man accused of a mass shooting in Darwin in which four men were killed has faced court again in Darwin ahead of a likely trial next year.

Psychiatric reports are still outstanding in relation to Ben Hoffmann, who is accused of Darwin's worst mass shooting.

Psychiatric reports are still outstanding in relation to Ben Hoffmann, who is accused of Darwin's worst mass shooting. Source: Supplied

Psychiatric reports are still outstanding in relation to the man accused of Darwin's worst mass shooting when four

Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, 45, came before the Northern Territory Local Court in Darwin for mention on Wednesday.

He faces four counts of murder along with a string of other charges including
Hassan Baydoun
Hassan Baydoun was the first victim identified in a shooting in Darwin. Source: Facebook
Hoffmann's lawyer previously indicated he would plead not guilty to the murder charges.

Prosecutor Matthew Nathan told the court he was still waiting on the psychiatric assessments for the accused along with forensic evidence.

The case was adjourned to 29 January when it was expected Hoffmann would be committed to the Supreme Court for trial.
Darwin shooting victim Michael Sisois.
Darwin shooting victim Michael Sisois. Source: ABC Darwin
Outside the court, defence counsel Jon Tippett told reporters, he was hopeful a trial would be held in mid to late 2020.

Hoffmann was arrested on the night of the killings on 4 June.

The four deaths occurred in a 30-minute rampage that shocked the city and a nation where such mass shootings are rare.

Taxi driver Hassan Baydoun, 33, Nigel Hellings, 75, Michael Sisois, 57, and Rob Courtney, 52, were killed.


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Published 11 December 2019 2:05pm
Updated 11 December 2019 3:47pm


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