A sentencing date has been set for a man who killed four people in a 2019 shooting spree across Darwin — but his legal team has raised the possibility of appealing the most recent decision in the long-running legal case.
Benjamin Hoffmann pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and one of manslaughter in the final weeks of his nine-week trial last year.
His victims, Hassan Baydoun, Michael Sisois, Robert Courtney and Nigel Hellings, were killed during a shooting rampage on the afternoon of June 4, 2019.
Hoffmann dismissed the legal team that represented him during his trial shortly after his plea was changed last year.
His new legal team, Patricia Petersen and Bruce Levet, previously told the court their client was not of sound mind to proceed with sentencing.
But Justice John Burns today told the Northern Territory Supreme Court that he had rejected an application to order an inquiry into Hoffmann's fitness to stand trial or participate in sentancing.
When legal teams were asked if there was any reason against the matter proceeding to sentencing, Hoffmann took to his feet to address Justice Burns directly.
"My understanding is that we're going to appeal this so we can do a special hearing … for medical reasons and things like that," he said.
Dr Petersen then told the court Hoffmann had advised her he would prefer to appeal the judge's decision, and that she had advised him of the "pros and cons of going down that path".
"In any event, if that happens, it happens," Justice Burns replied.
"In the meantime, I'm going to set a date."
Hoffmann's sentencing will begin on 27 May.
It is expected expert witnesses from his trial will be recalled to give further evidence.
Hoffmann's new team previously flagged the possibility of withdrawing his guilty plea, raising concerns about their client's capacity to give instructions.
Mr Levet, appearing in court to assist, today told Justice Burns he was still not in a position to take instructions in relation to a possible plea withdrawal.
"I'm not sure Mr Hoffmann has capacity one way or another," he said.
