Bennett Russell Maynard-Brown, 32, appeared at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with downloading a video of the Christchurch terror attack. Photo / News.com.au
An Australian man has been charged with possessing extremist material after he was allegedly caught downloading a video of the Christchurch terror attack.
But he claims he downloaded the graphic video - banned in New Zealand - by mistake.
Bennett Russell Maynard-Brown appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Court documents state he is accused of downloading the video, filmed by the terrorist as he opened fire on people gathered to pray at two Christchurch mosques, on February 16.
On March 15, 2019 a gunman stormed into the Al Noor Mosque and then the Linwood Islamic Centre and opened fire on men, women and children who were at Friday prayer.
By the end of his rampage 51 people had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and a further 40 were injured.
The gunman later pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one count of terrorism.
He was jailed for life, with no possibility of parole.
Maynard-Brown's first court appearance was brief and his lawyer sought an adjournment.
The 32-year-old was granted bail.
Outside court he spoke to Australian journalists.
He denied he was an extremist and claimed he did not intend to download the video.
He said it was "very wrong of me to have" done so.
"It was a mistake. I didn't even realise I had it.
"It was downloaded off of Facebook by accident."
News.com.au reported that Maynard-Brown denied supporting extremist views.
In addition he claimed to have changed his religion to become Muslim.
"I converted in October last year, so I'm Muslim, so the complete opposite to the monster in that video," he said.
"It's a complete misunderstanding."
Maynard-Brown is due to reappear before the court in August.
The MP for Rangitīkei was seen texting while at the wheel of her branded vehicle.