Quebec election shooter Richard Henry Bain to serve 20 years before parole eligibility

Quebec’s 2012 election-night shooter Richard Henry Bain will have to serve at least 20 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.

Bain was found guilty of second-degree murder in August, convicted by a jury in the killing of lighting technician Denis Blanchette outside the Metropolis nightclub as then premier-designate Pauline Marois was inside delivering a victory speech.

He was also found guilty of three counts of attempted murder.

Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer said Friday the political nature of the offences justified the harsh sentence.

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

“In an uncharacteristic display of planned murderous violence and hatred for those he described as separatists, Mr. Richard Henry Bain attempted to change the results of the election and the course of history,” he read from his judgment.

Bain is also prohibited from owning firearms for life.

READ MORE: Richard Henry Bain trial: Timeline leading to second-degree murder conviction

Second-degree murder carries a sentence of life imprisonment, but the parole eligibility can range between 10 and 25 years.

The defence had suggested the minimum for Bain, 66, while the Crown had sought the maximum 25 years.

READ MORE: Richard Henry Bain found guilty of second-degree murder in Quebec election-night shooting

Cournoyer said there were “clear elements of forethought and planning” to Bain’s actions that made his actions factually closer to first-degree murder than to manslaughter.

Crown prosecutor Dennis Galiatsatos said he was satisfied with the judge’s decision and hoped the victims would be satisfied as well.

WATCH: Richard Henry Bain in court

2:35 Richard Henry Bain trial deliberations

• Richard Henry Bain trial deliberations
• Richard Henry Bain closing arguments
• Richard Henry Bain cross-examined
• Richard Henry Bain explains ‘vision’
• Richard Henry Bain has ‘no memory’ of attack
• Richard Henry Bain testimony continues
• Richard Henry Bain testifies
• Richard Henry Bain trial begins

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“I think it was particularly appropriate that the judge began his judgment by referring to democracy and how fragile and important it is,” he said outside the courtroom.

Bain’s lawyer Alan Guttman said he was disappointed with the ruling, which he likened to “almost a death sentence” for his client.

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

Guttman, who had presented a defence of non-criminal responsibility during the trial, said he felt his client’s mental state should have factored more strongly into the judge’s decision.

He said there is a “very good possibility” that he will appeal.