MONTREAL – It’s taken about a year and a half to reach this point, but finally on Wednesday, we learned when Richard Henry Bain will face a jury.
The 63-year-old’s murder trial is expected to begin January 2015, and could last up to four months.
“The judge asked us to block four months in our agendas for 2015,” prosecutor Elianne Perreault told reporters.
“From January to April.”
Just after provincial elections on September 4, 2012, Bain allegedly fired a gun outside the Parti Quebecois celebration rally at the Metropolis club in Montreal.
He has been charged with the first degree murder of stagehand Denis Blanchette, and the attempted murder of 12 other people.
IN PICTURES: Memorial for Denis Blanchette at Club Metropolis
The Laurentians businessman is also facing a total of 16 criminal charges.
At a pre-trial hearing Wednesday, the crown announced it plans to present 42 witnesses.
Premier Pauline Marois will not be called to testify.
Attorney Jean-Marc Tremblay advised the court he is ready to defend Bain if taxpayers foot the bill.
He filed a Rowbotham request to the court a few days ago.
READ MORE: Accused election night shooter says ‘defence lawyers are staying away from me‘
Basically, it states Bain should be entitled to a taxpayer-funded defence because the case is too complex for him to defend himself.
The suspect has been refused legal-aid.
“I think the court should seriously look at this option,” legal analyst Eric Sutton told Global News.
“It may be the only option to ensure he has a full and fair defence.”
The legal motion will be debated in court sometime next spring.
Richard Henry Bain is expected to return to court on February 5, 2014.
Comments