The move shocked and dismayed some relatives of the victims of the massacre, who now must endure potentially harrowing trial. Tarrant, 28, will go to trial on 4 May, 2020 with the prosecution saying it is likely the case will last six weeks. Christchurch massacre: Brenton Tarrant pleads not guilty to all charges Read more“The court endeavours to bring serious criminal cases to trial within a year of arrest,” wrote Justice Cameron Mander. If Tarrant had pleaded guilty, he would then have faced a sentencing hearing, though this would not have happened immediately. “It’s difficult to estimate [how long it would take] but if he had pleaded guilty it obviously would have been quicker,” said Tinsley.

Source: The Guardian June 14, 2019 05:15 UTC