Darwin spree killer Benjamin Hoffman sacks entire legal team
Triple murderer Benjamin Hoffmann claims he has no faith or confidence in his lawyers, today booting them out of the courtroom.
"I am officially sacking Jon Tippett, Peter Maley [and] Catherine Voumard," a handwritten letter read.
"I would require further immediate legal representation.
READ MORE: Alleged Darwin gunman pulled over hours before rampage
Benjamin Hoffman will appear again in court in December. Supplied
"I am in a crisis situation and unable to represent myself."
The 47-year-old went on a bloody shooting spree across Darwin in 2019.
The gunman today told the court he had been arguing "very badly" with his legal team.
Jon Tippett QC denied there were any grounds for his client's decision.
"We have [represented Mr Hoffmann] to the best of our ability, in very difficult circumstances," he told the court.
"I would simply say that I have seen nothing to suggest otherwise," Justice Burns replied.
Jon Tippett QC outside the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. Che Chorley
But this isn't the first time the bad blood has spilled over into the courtroom.
Mr Tippett attempted to withdraw his services more than a month ago – during the trial - when Hoffmann claimed his lawyers were playing games with him.
The prominent Darwin silk reconsidered his decision at the judge's request.
Hoffman, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder – and one count of manslaughter – seven weeks into his trial.
He said he did so because he wanted a judge to consider giving him a non-parole period.
Hoffmann faces three mandatory life sentences and will return to court in January.
Police cordon off Palms Motel in Darwin after the shooting in 2019. AAP
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