Christchurch mosque shootings: Taxpayer foots bill for accused gunman’s lawyers
The suspect made an earlier court appearance in March (file photo)
WELLINGTON, Apr 5, 2019, NZ Herald. Kiwi taxpayers are footing the bill for the two lawyers now acting for the accused Christchurch gunman, reported the New Zealand Herald.
The 28-year-old Australian national appeared this morning via audio visual link from custody in the High Court at Christchurch.
He faces 50 charges of murder and 39 counts of attempted murder. He is yet to enter any plea.
Auckland lawyers Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson, who have worked together for some 15 years, confirmed in a statement last night they have accepted instructions to act as counsel for the accused gunman.
The alleged killer had previously indicated he would represent himself.
But the Ministry of Justice confirmed today the accused has accessed the Police Detention Legal Assistance service.
Andrea King, the ministry’s general manager for courts and justice services policy, said the alleged gunman was assisted by a duty lawyer and was granted legal aid for his appearance in court today.
“The legal aid system is designed to ensure people who cannot pay for a lawyer are provided with legal representation in court,” she said in a statement.
“Legal aid is an important part of New Zealand’s justice system – no one should be denied justice because they cannot afford a lawyer.”
King said decisions on whether to grant legal aid are made in accordance with the criteria set out in the Legal Services Act and associated regulations.
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