MONTREAL– The criminal case against murder suspect Richard Henry Bain was again delayed by the trial judge on Wednesday.
Judge Jean-Paul Braun allowed another delay after failing to receive two letters with questions relevant to the case that Bain said he had mailed to the judge’s office. Braun also ordered the prosecution to translate and deliver its list of witnesses to Bain within 10 days.
Public prosecutor Eliane Perreault said she would call 33 witnesses, including a dozen police officers and five experts in the preliminary trial, which is expected to last two weeks.
Bain is accused of perpetrating the Sept. 4 attack at Montreal’s Metropolis theatre where the Parti Quebcois' election night celebration ended with a man left dead.
Bain looks set to defend himself against 16 charges, including premeditated murder and attempted murder, after appearing in court without a lawyer.
Bain has frequently complained of his legal representation and has already gone through three lawyers.
In court Wednesday, Bain appeared confused about the difference between pre-trial and a preliminary hearing.
During a break, Braun gave Bain an English copy of the criminal code. Bain had been using a bilingual copy.
“I want to make sure that you have access to everything that you are entitled to have,” said Braun.
The crown prosecutor offered to help Bain retrieve personal communications from his lawyer.
“I was at the Metropolis! I was there, so that Madame Marois could not have her speech or party,” said Bain. “You don’t need all these witnesses.”
Bain’s time in court was once again dominated by legal confusion, a rant about Montreal becoming a province and strange mentions of god.
When the judge advised Bain to get a lawyer, the accused responded that: “I have no concern in my case, I have full faith and trust in Jesus Christ.”
Bain spokesman Daniel Sweeney confirmed that Bain had decided “three or four days ago” to defend himself.
The preliminary inquiry will be held on May 2, 3, 21, 22, 23 and 24, as well as the week of June 10.
Denis Blanchette was killed in the attack while his colleague Dave Courage was seriously injured.
With files from The Canadian Press.
