Updated June 07, 2019 14:04:45

Photo: Benjamin Hoffmann told the court he wanted to see his family "as soon as possible". (Supplied: Elizabeth Howell)

The man charged over a mass shooting in Darwin has used his first appearance in court to apologise for the rampage which ended with four people dead.

Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, 45, appeared in Darwin Local Court via video link from prison wearing a red T-shirt and white shorts, with cuts on his face and forehead.

The prosecutor confirmed Hoffmann was facing four charges of murder as well as two of recklessly endangering life and one of criminal damage.

Judge Elizabeth Morris noted that Hoffmann had been marked at-risk after his arrest and asked if that status should be extended.

Photo: CCTV footage showed a man in hi-vis matching the description of the alleged gunman arriving at a property on Tuesday night. (Supplied: Nine News)

Hoffmann interrupted from the screen when his lawyer said he did not have submissions to make on the subject.

"I do need help, I asked for help," he said.

Photo: Police escort Benjamin Hoffmann from hospital. (Supplied: NTPFES)

In a brief lull after the at-risk order was extended he said: "I'm very sorry for what's happened."

Hoffmann did not make an application for bail.

Photo: Benjamin Hoffmann's defence lawyer Peter Maley arrives for the hearing. (ABC News: Al Dowler)

Prosecutor Matt Nathan asked for an extended period of time to gather a brief of evidence before the next court appearance, which was set for September 18.

At the end of the hearing Hoffmann asked when he would be able to see his legal counsel, who is high-profile Darwin defence lawyer Peter Maley.

Mr Maley told his client: "Don't say anything now because there's other people in court that can hear us."

Police have previously confirmed that Hoffmann was released on parole in January this year after serving time in prison.

Photo: A man holding a gun was captured on CCTV at a property on Tuesday night. (Supplied: Nine News)

Four men were killed and a woman wounded after Hoffmann allegedly opened fire with a prohibited pump-action shotgun in the CBD and inner Darwin suburbs on Tuesday night.

Three of the victims have been identified as 33-year-old taxi driver Hassan Baydoun, 57-year-old Michael Sisois and 52-year-old New Zealander Rob Courtney.

Photo: Shooting victim Rob Courtney, a 52-year-old New Zealand security guard, prior to his death. (Supplied: Nine News)

Investigators have said they believe the ammunition used was purchased locally on the morning of the shooting by a "third party" known to Hoffmann.

Topics: courts-and-trials, laws, police, law-crime-and-justice, crime, murder-and-manslaughter, darwin-0800

First posted June 07, 2019 11:46:46