Darwin mass shootings: Alleged gunman says sorry in court
The man accused of the worst mass shooting in the Northern Territory's history has told a Darwin court he is "very sorry about what happened".
Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, 45, appeared via video link from prison today after being charged with murder following Tuesday night's mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of four men.
He is also charged with two counts of recklessly endangering life and criminal damage.
Ben Hoffmann appeared in court via video link today charged with four counts of murder. Supplied
Hoffmann also said he wanted to speak to his lawyer Peter Marley as soon as possible before being remanded to appear in court again in September.
The injuries to his face were clearly visible.
He underwent surgery for knife wounds which he is alleged to have suffered during the shooting of 52-year-old Darwin casino security guard Rob Courtney.
Accused mass murderer Ben Hoffman leaves hospital after surgery for knife wounds. 9News
Hoffman looked down most of the time during the appearance.
He did say: "I do need help. I asked for help..."
An at risk order was made by Judge Elizabeth Morris before Hoffman continued: "I'm very sorry about what happened I want to speak... as soon as I can."
Two of the four victims, Hassan Baydoun and Michael Siosis. Supplied
The four killings Hoffman is accused of occurred in about 30 minutes, with the gunman appearing to target specific locations.
The violence started at 5.39pm Tuesday at the Palms Motel where Hoffmann allegedly shot and killed taxi driver Hassan Baydoun, 33, who was on a meal break.
Mr Baydoun's cousin Abdallah Salman said his relative did not know the shooter and was accidentally caught up in the shootings as the alleged gunman went from room to room firing his gun and shouting for a person named Alex.
Hassan Baydoun's cousin Abdellah Salman lights a candle in the taxi driver's memory. 9News
Friends and family paying tribute at the Memorial Uniting Church last night. 9News
A 23-year-old woman at the Palms who police do not believe knew Hoffmann was shot in the legs and remains in hospital.
Police allege the shooter went on to kill Nigel Hellings, 75, in Gardens Hill Crescent less than a kilometre away, at what might have been the former home of an associate.
He then allegedly killed Michael Sisois, 57, who knew Hoffmann, after previously working together, a few hundred metres away in the car park of the Buff Club.
Police cordon off Palms Motel in Darwin, where the first of the four victims were killed during Tuesday's rampage. AAP
Police cordon off the intersection of Stuart Highway and McMinn Street where the suspect was apprehended. AAP
The NT government has asked for a report from the Parole Board on Hoffmann and to review all people on parole, however Attorney-General Natasha Fyles defended the system yesterday.
Last night, a vigil for the victims was held at the Memorial Uniting Church in Smith Street, with members of the public candles invited to light candles as a tribute.
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