Richard Henry Bain given last chance to find lawyer ahead of murder trial

MONTREAL — The man charged with first-degree murder in Quebec’s 2012 election shooting has been given one last chance to find himself a lawyer ahead of his trial.

Justice Guy Cournoyer has authorized a 30-day delay in the case to allow Richard Henry Bain to undergo a court-ordered evaluation that should take place next week.

The judge also informed Bain today he has to find an attorney to represent him in that same time frame.

Bain is also charged with two counts of attempted murder stemming form an attack outside a downtown Montreal club where then-PQ leader Pauline Marois was toasting her party’s election victory in September 2012.

Lighting technician Denis Blanchette was fatally shot and colleague David Courage was wounded as they stood near a doorway to the club.

Bain’s trial had originally been scheduled to begin today and Cournoyer told the accused he’d like to set a trial date in short order.

The case returns to court Feb. 20.