Family of man accused of Darwin mass shooting speak out
The brother of a man accused of shooting and killing four men in Darwin has offered his “deepest condolences” following the attack.
Ben Hoffmann, 45, is accused of going on a one-hour rampage in Darwin on Tuesday night armed with a pump action shotgun.
The alleged shooter is in hospital, under guard, to assess his mental condition.
Hoffmann’s brother, Clinton, told Sky News in a statement on Wednesday the family are “shocked and distressed” by what occurred.
"In the fullness of time, it may be appropriate to say more. At present, I thank my friends and colleagues for their understanding and their expression of support, especially to me, my mother and other members of my family,” he said.
"In the interests of allowing legal matters to properly run their course, I will not be making a further public statement on these matters at this time."
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Hoffmann had reportedly lost his job just days before the shooting.
Police on Tuesday night said he was known to them and was on parole after being released in January. He was also wearing an electronic tracking bracelet.
Parole under the microscope
The shooting has prompted a review by the NT Government into 103 people currently on parole.
"We've asked for a detailed report from the Parole Board of the alleged offender and directed an immediate review of the 103 people currently on parole," Chief Minister Michael Gunner said on Wednesday.
"We've directed an immediate review of everyone on electronic monitoring."
There are 196 people being actively monitored in the NT.
Of the 103 on parole, 46 were also being electronically monitored.
"This work will be thorough. It will be completed by the end of next week. While we have no reason to believe an event like this will occur again, it is critical we make every effort that it does not," Mr Gunner said.
The investigation into the shooting is continuing.
NT Commissioner for Corrections Scott McNairn confirmed the man had been released on parole in January after being sentenced to six years jail, with a non-parole period of four years.
Parole was granted under 23 strict conditions.
He had previously breached parole for breaking curfew, for which he was given a 14-day custodial sentence, the commissioner said.
He had also undergone random drug tests, which he passed.
The events leading up to the shooting, including the Parole Board decision to release the man, must now be examined.
"We need to review that and review the circumstances of the case, which is tragic," Commissioner McNairn said.
"We will work with police, obviously, and our colleagues in the Police Service to make sure that the inquiry is fully engaged."
with AAP
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