Government employee on trial for possessing Christchurch mosque shootings video
Photo:
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A government employee is on trial for possessing video from the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
The man appeared before Judge David Robinson for a judge alone trial today in the Dunedin District Court, charged with possessing an objectionable publication.
The penalties are a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, or a fine of up to $50,000.
His lawyer Anne Stevens KC told RNZ his defence was that he did not have actual possession of the video, but even if possession was proved he had a lawful excuse.
Stevens confirmed three video segments of the shooting were involved.
"He thought he could transfer it from his work phone to his personal phone," she said.
Judge Robinson reserved his decision until later this week.
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When approached by RNZ, board of trustees presiding member Louise Gault said the school could not comment on individual student teachers or related personal matters because of privacy obligations. "Paparoa Range School is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. We regularly host student teachers as part of their professional training, in partnership with accredited tertiary institutions," she said in a statement. "We take our responsibilities seriously and have robust processes in place to assess and manage placements, including consideration of any potential risks. Where appropriate, we seek advice from relevant authorities and act in accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines." The deadline for the school loomed at a time of leadership change at the West Coast Christian community, with Howard Temple resigning as Overseeing Shepherd following his conviction for sexual offending. Photo: The Press/Kai Schwoerer Last month, Temple pleaded guilty to five charges of indecent assault, five of doing an indecent act and two of common assault days into a judge-alone trial in Greymouth. On Tuesday, the community confirmed Stephen Standfast had replaced Temple as Overseeing Shepherd. "The Overseeing Shepherd of the Gloriavale Christian Community, Howard Temple, 85, has resigned," Gloriavale said in a statement. "His position has been taken by Stephen Standfast, who has been designated to replace Mr Temple for several years. Mr Temple succeeded the community's founder, Hopeful Christian, upon his death in 2018. In the years since then, he has led a campaign to establish policies around child safety and well-being, as well as workplace health and safety. "Mr Standfast, 48, has spent several years now working with outside agencies to support on-going changes for safety and well-being." Temple is on bail and would be sentenced in December. 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