Accused election night shooter says “defence lawyers are staying away from me”

MONTREAL — Richard Henry Bain went on another rant Monday at the Montreal Courthouse.

For about 10 minutes, he essentially told the judge he is a victim of the justice system.

From the prisoner’s box, the 63 year-old suspect said he is doing his best to find a defence lawyer, but he says no one wants to defend him.

Bain told the court he has contacted a Montreal law firm for help and has had as many three attorneys visit him at his prison cell – with no luck.

“I want a fair trial.  If Quebec can’t supply me a lawyer, send me to another province where a lawyer will defend me,” Bain said.

We found out during Monday’s hearing that a Montreal-area attorney, Marcel Guerin, is interested in taking the case.

Bain is facing 15 criminal charges including the first-degree murder of Metropolis stagehand Denis Blanchette.

He also seriously injured technician Dave Courage.

“We have to be ready to proceed.  We are ready,” Crown spokesperson Jean-Pascal Boucher told reporters.

“We have to give all the evidence which we did.”

Boucher added the Crown’s evidence is substantial and could require up to 8 weeks to lay out its case in a courtroom.

Bain returns to court December 11th for a pre-trial hearing.

Justice Marc David is expected to set a trial date on that day – with or without a defence lawyer present.

Analysts say the earliest opening arguments will be heard is next fall 2014.