Ben Hoffmann left unrepresented after barrister withdraws due to financial issues

UPDATE: Alleged Darwin shooter Ben Hoffmann’s legal counsel – who were set to represent him in his upcoming murder trial – have withdrawn due to financial issues, leaving him to represent himself in his next hearing

Alleged Darwin shooter Ben Hoffmann

ALLEGED Darwin shooter Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann’s legal counsel – who were set to represent him in his upcoming murder trial – have withdrawn due to financial issues, leaving him to represent himself in his next hearing.

In the first hearing of the case in Darwin Supreme Court on Thursday, Hoffmann’s previous lawyer Peter Maley told the court that his client had reached an “impasse in terms of the funding” and that he and Hoffmann’s other barrister Jon Tippett QC had withdrawn from the case as a result.

“I spoke to Mr Hoffmann on the phone and we’ve made applications as to withdraw from the record,” he said.

“The matter will be adjourned for a couple of weeks and Mr Hoffmann is going to be brought in and appear unrepresented.”

“That’s not the most desirable situation,” Associate Justice Vince Luppino said in response.

The NT News understands that Hoffmann is currently in the process of applying for legal aid, but remains unrepresented for his upcoming trial at this stage.

Associate Justice Luppino told Crown prosecutor Matt Nathan SC that someone from the prosecution may have to speak with Hoffmann personally.

“Bear in mind that you’re not going to have legal representatives to speak to, someone will have to go and speak to Mr Hoffmann,” he said.

“That’s going to be awkward in itself.”

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Hoffmann stands charged with murdering four people during the alleged rampage on June 4 last year.

The matter has been adjourned to March 26, where Hoffmann will appear via video link.