Accused Aussie killer smiles in court in Christchurch, charged with murder

The Australian man charged with killing 49 people in the Christchurch terror attacks has appeared in court where he flashed a smirk.

A 28-year-old Australian man has smiled as he appeared in Christchurch District Court charged with murder after a shooting rampage which left 49 dead.

At 11.10am local time, Brenton Harrison Tarrant appeared in court dressed in a heavy cream coloured prison smock, his hands cuffed to a leather belt encircling the smock.

The public was banned from the courtroom, but an angry crowd waited outside the building and one man even tried to break in — saying he wanted to “knife” the accused.

Images of the man in the dock have been blurred because of an order from the court.

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Brenton Tarrant making a sign to the camera during his appearance, for murder, in the Christchurch District Court. Picture: Mark Mitchell/NZ Herald

Brenton Tarrant is lead into the dock for his appearance. Picture: Mark Mitchell/NZ Herald

Tarrant was brought by prison officers into a heavily secured courtroom under guard by police and court officers and packed with local and international media.

He kept turning his face towards the media pack, smiling faintly.

He appeared on one charge of murder for which court documents say carries a maximum penalty of life in prison but is expected to face further charges.

He had reportedly been held in police cells under the court overnight after being arrested on Friday afternoon.

9 News reporter @RuthWW gives an insight into the alleged Christchurch terrorists first court hearing after the horrific attack. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” #9News pic.twitter.com/Gwd8awPkja

— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) March 15, 2019

Nine reporter Ruth Wynn-Williams said Tarrant was “eerily calm” during his appearance — which lasted just three minutes — and almost seemed proud of what he’d done”.

“He just looked like a calm, collected person,” she told the Today show.

“It was almost nonchalant as he looked around the court.”

A large crowd is gathered outside the court and one member of the public attempted to get into the building — vocally threatening “to knife” the accused before he was restrained by police.

Press from all over the world gathered in the courtroom, but the general public was banned.

“I’ve taken this decision to clear the court for reasons of public safety,” Judge P. Kellar said.

Police stand guard outside the district court building in Christchurch. Picture: AP Photo/Mark Baker

Judge Kellar told the court there was only one charge but “assumes there will be others”.

A second man Daniel John Burrough, 18, of Christchurch has been charged with intent to excite hostility or ill will against any group of persons in New Zealand on the ground of the colour, race or ethnic or national origins, published written matter which is insulting.

Brenton Tarrant smiled as he appeared in court today. Picture: Shooter's Video via AP

The alleged slaughter of worshippers at Friday prayers at the Al Noor mosque on Dean’s Avenue and the Linwood mosque, a 15 minutes drive apart in central Christchurch, has left 49 dead and dozens injured.

The shooting, allegedly filmed and lifestreamed by the alleged gunman, killed 41 people at Al Noor, seven at Linwood and another person died afterwards in hospital.

Members of the media wait outside the district court building in Christchurch. Picture: AP

Mr Tarrant, a former personal trainer from the NSW regional city of Grafton, is believed to have been living in New Zealand’s South Island for the last three years.

There was no application for bail and Mr Tarrant was remanded un custody until April 5.

Two brothers whose father, 71-year-old Haji Daoud Nabi, died in the shootings were denied entry to the court hearing.