‘I’m very sorry’: Alleged Darwin shooter

ALLEGED Darwin shooter Ben Hoffmann has declared he is ‘very sorry for what has happened’ during his first court appearance

Alleged Darwin gunman Ben Hoffmann, 45, appears in Darwin Local Court after being charged with four counts of murder. Art: Stuart Thornton

ALLEGED Darwin shooter Ben Hoffmann has declared he is “very sorry for what has happened” during his first court appearance.

Hoffmann, 45, appeared in Darwin Local Court by video link from Holtze Prison, flanked by two security guards.

Police escort alleged Darwin gunman Ben Hoffmann from Royal Darwin Hospital on Thursday before charging him with four counts of murder. PICTURE: NTPFES

He wore a red prison issued T-shirt — indicating his maximum security status at Holtze Prison — and white footy shorts.

His face was covered in cuts and grazes.

When Judge Elizabeth Morris asked Hoffmann’s lawyer, Peter Maley, whether his client should be marked as an “at risk” prisoner Hoffmann interjected: “I do need help, I have asked for help”.

Alleged murderer Ben Hoffmann's defence lawyer, Peter Maley leaves Darwin Local Court. Picture: Keri Megelus

“I’m very sorry about what has happened and I want to speak to Peter as soon as I can.”

Hoffmann’s lawyer, Peter Maley, said he had “some concerns” about his client but did not have any medical records on which to base those concerns.

He did not oppose Hoffmann being marked at risk.

Mr Maley told the court he spoke to Hoffmann on Thursday and would see him again in coming days.

Crown Prosecutor Matt Nathan SC confirmed Hoffmann had been charged with four counts of murder, one count of criminal damage and two counts of aggravated recklessly endangering life.

The aggravated recklessly endangering life charges have been upgraded overnight from charges of recklessly endangering serious harm.

Ben Hoffmann leaves Royal Darwin Hospital before being charged with murder: Picture: 9 News

Mr Nathan was granted an extended adjournment because of the size of the police investigation.

DON’T miss out: Amazing headphones offer for NT News subscribers

Hoffmann will next appear in court by video link on September 18.

Ms Morris formally refused bail and revoked Hoffmann’s parole.