Richard Henry Bain trial: doctor says he didn’t hold bizarre, psychotic religious or political ideas

The Crown’s expert witness in the Richard Henry Bain first-degree murder trial said the accused did not hold religious or political ideas that were bizarre or psychotic.

READ MORE: Crown psychiatrist takes the stand in Richard Henry Bain trial

Forensic psychiatrist Joel Watts told jurors Thursday the accused’s comments about religion and politics to police, doctors and others after his arrest are no more extreme than anyone else’s who is invested in these issues and who has no mental illness.

READ MORE: Crown prosecutor suggests accused election night shooter faking mental illness

Bain has pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and two arson-related charges in connection with the shooting outside the Metropolis nightclub in Montreal on Sept. 4, 2012.

READ MORE: Richard Henry Bain claims anti-depressants fuelled actions during election-night shooting

The defence argues Bain was psychotic the night he allegedly shot and killed a man outside the venue where the Parti Québécois (PQ) was celebrating its election victory and should be found not criminally responsible.

The jury has heard that Bain often talked about how Quebec separatists were ruining the province and that Montreal should separate from Quebec and remain in Canada.

READ MORE: Mixing meds made alleged Quebec election shooter a ticking time bomb, says expert

His lawyers said he turned to religion after a manic episode around 2009 and suggested it was a sign the accused was losing his grasp of reality.