28 Aug 2020

Chch mosque shooting sentencing: What happened yesterday

From Morning Report, 6:08 am on 28 August 2020

Justice Cameron Mander has handed down a sentence of life without parole the mosque gunman.

Brenton Tarrant murdered 51 worshippers at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on 15 March, 2019.

He also tried to kill dozens more. It's the first time a judge has imposed a sentence of life without parole. The harshest possible sentence under current New Zealand law.

Outside the court, after the sentencing, there were tears - and cheers.

The Prime Minister says she felt a sense of relief when she heard the sentence and she addressed the Muslim community directly to commend their bravery.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has welcomed the sentence but he says work needs to continue to ensure all communities feel safe.