MONTREAL -- A judge denied bail Friday to the man charged in Quebec's 2012 election shooting, telling him political violence is unacceptable in a democracy such as Canada.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer ruled that Richard Henry Bain, who is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, failed to satisfy the court he would not pose a risk to society.
In doing so, Cournoyer said Bain's motives in the alleged slaying -- purely political -- render them all the more troublesome.
"No court of law can condone the use of violence, especially with firearms, to suppress the freedom of speech and expression of anyone, no matter what political party or opinion is involved," Cournoyer said.
"Political violence is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy based upon the rule of law."
The charges against Bain stem from an attack on Sept. 4, 2012, outside a downtown Montreal club where then-Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois was toasting her party's election victory.
The court heard evidence he'd gone to the club to stop Marois from delivering her speech and that he was heavily armed while listening to radio coverage of the election near the venue.
Lighting technician Denis Blanchette was fatally shot and colleague David Courage was wounded as they milled about near a doorway to the Metropolis, waiting for the political rally to end.
The court heard that both men were struck with a single shot before the weapon jammed.
Bain was arrested after a short foot chase.
"The evidence of the offences against Mr. Bain is solid, persuasive and overwhelming," Cournoyer said.
The judge referred to Quebec's two sovereignty referendums as proof that Canada has experienced political tension without violence being involved.
He also noted that between 1993 and 1997, the Official Opposition in Ottawa was the Bloc Quebecois, a party whose primary interest was the promotion of Quebec sovereignty.
"Apart from very well-known events, our country's history has largely been spared political violence," he said.
"The constitutional history of our country proves that the political debates were indeed passionate and intense but political violence was not resorted to."
Signs also emerged Friday that Bain's murder trial, scheduled to begin in late January, will be delayed.
At his bail hearing in November, Bain told Cournoyer he'd overdosed on medication the night of the slaying in an unsworn statement. His doctor was supposed to testify but was unable to appear.
The judge said he wants Bain to undergo an assessment to determine his mental state at the time of the offence.
"I will hear from both of you on this, but I may act on my own," Cournoyer told Bain and a new prosecutor in the case, Dennis Galiatsatos.
"Proceeding in the face of the statements you made last November without investigating properly the issue, with the tools that exist in the Criminal Code, would be inappropriate."
Bain said he wouldn't have much to say a psychiatrist -- he claims he doesn't remember anything about the events.
The accused is also seeking a delay because he no longer wants to represent himself, suggesting Quebec government institutions are making it impossible for him to defend himself.
The case was adjourned until later Friday to determine the next steps.
