He is a terrorist, an inhumane and wicked mass killer – a "monster" and "undoubtedly" New Zealand's "worst murderer". And now Brenton Harrison Tarrant will never be released from prison, spending the rest of his life behind bars without any possibility of parole. Video / Chris Tarpey
It cost nearly $40,000 to fly the man responsible for the Christchurch mosque attacks to and from Christchurch in an Air Force Hercules for his sentencing.
The Australian terrorist was jailed for life without parole over the 15 March attacks in what wasa New Zealand first, last month.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to murdering 51 worshippers at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre, and to shooting and injuring 40 more in an attempt to murder them.
Tarrant had asked to attend his sentencing remotely; his lawyers arguing it would save costs and avoid the need for secure transfer from Auckland to Christchurch.
It was a request opposed by the Crown, who said there was no reason why the sentencing should not be conducted in the ordinary way with the defendant physically present.
Justice Mander ultimately ordered Tarrant be in court for the sentencing; citing concerns he could be trying to avoid being held publicly accountable for his crimes.
The mosque shooter has been designated a terrorist entity since his sentencing; freezing his assets and making it a criminal offence to participate in or support his activities.
Victims and politicians have expressed varying views on whether or not he should be incarcerated in New Zealand at a cost of $5000 a day or be sent back to Australia.
