Man still in custody over mosque shooting livestream

Monday, 15 April 2019, 5:13 pm
Article: RNZ

Christchurch man still in custody over mosque shooting livestream charges

A Christchurch man charged with sending and re-posting the livestream of the mosque shootings remains in custody, after a second appearance in court.

Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Philip Arps, who runs an insulation firm, faces two charges of supplying or distributing objectionable material. He was remanded in custody during his first court appearance last month.

The 44-year-old man has appeared before the Christchurch District Court this morning and was seen winking and smiling at members of the public.

His lawyer Anselm Williams said many people distributed the shooting footage across the internet, yet only a few of them were before the court, having come to the attention of police.

Mr Williams said there were many people in a similar position to Mr Arps, who did not know the footage would be classed as objectionable.

But the Crown said there was a high level of seriousness in the offending, which endorsed a terrorist act.

He has been remanded in custody until 26 April, when he will appear in court via video link.

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