The Christchurch mosque terrorist will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after his sentencing on Thursday.

It comes after three days in the Christchurch High Court with victims and families giving powerful statements of how their lives have changed since the shooting on March 15, 2019.

Justice Cameron Mander delivered terrorist Brenton Tarrant his sentence on Thursday afternoon - he is the first in New Zealand history to be sentenced to life without parole. 

International media

International media were quick to report on the outcome including the BBC, Guardian, New York Times, Bloomberg, ABC AU and more.

Bloomberg reported the sentencing came after "a harrowing four-day hearing".

The New York Times covered the sentencing in-depth saying it finally brings closure after "a year of unpredictable proceedings".

"By that point, and into Thursday morning, what began with grief had evolved into collective strength," they said.

"On Thursday, his campaign of hate finally ended: A judge in the resilient seaside city where he had waged his terrorism sentenced him to life in prison without any chance of parole.

"While the grieving and wounded watched with a mix of anger, defiance and relief, Mr Tarrant, 29, an Australian with thinning hair and inscrutable eyes, was hauled away to face the certainty of dying behind bars. He is the first criminal in New Zealand ever sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for release — the country’s most severe punishment."

They said by Friday the mosques will again be "filled with worshippers as they were on the Friday morning when Mr Tarrant set off on his rampage. And New Zealand will have changed".

Scott Morrison

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave a speech in Parliament on Thursday after the sentencing.

"Justice today was delivered in New Zealand to the terrorist and murderer for his cowardly and horrific crimes and attacks in a Christchurch mosque," Morrison said.

"The world must never see or hear from him ever again.

• Winston Peters wants Christchurch terrorist returned to Australia
• 'Abhorrent' video game based on Christchurch attacks banned
• A young boy's question to Jacinda Ardern that made it to her United Nations speech
• 'The world has changed': March 15 dominates Jacinda Ardern's United Nations address

"All Australians were horrified and devastated by his despicable terrorist act. New Zealand is family to us in Australia.

"Today, we send our love across the ditch, and I had the opportunity to pass on those wishes directly to the New Zealand Prime Minister [Jacinda Ardern] earlier today."

Morrison also talked about Farid Ahmed, who lost his wife in the Christchurch terrorist attack.

Morrison met Ahmed at the memorial service in Christchurch and said he was an "incredible grace and beauty" to come out of the tragedy.

"His message and response was not one of hate but one of hope and of love. He is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met."

Morrison paid tribute to the Muslim community in New Zealand and Australia and said they had been a "light answering a terrible darkness".

"God bless you New Zealand. Our whanau this day, may it be another day of healing for everyone affected by this terrible terrorist atrocity."

Social media

People around the world have posted on social media to mark the end of the sentencing.

Videos of the victim impact statements given in court have been shared hundreds of times with commenters calling them "powerful" and "heartbreaking", and praising their bravery.

Journalist Osman Faruqi said the sentencing was "an extraordinary testament to the courage of survivor's and their families". 

https://twitter.com/oz_f/status/1298805129097834496

https://twitter.com/oz_f/status/1298807067822583808