Richard Henry Bain's new lawyer, Alan Guttman, confirms he's taking the case
The man accused of killing a stagehand and trying to kill Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois on election night in 2012 has found a lawyer.
Richard Henry Bain was temporarily representing himself in a case that has been marked by a string of bizarre outbursts and many delays.
Bain is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the September 2012 shooting and fire at the Metropolis nightclub.
In a court appearance Friday afternoon, Bain's lawyer, Alan Guttman, confirmed he has met with the accused and will now negotiate with Quebec's Attorney General about covering the cost of his legal fees.
After the court hearing, Guttman told reporters he took the case in part because he likes "a challenge."
"I have met with Mr. Bain a few times and he seems like someone I can work with," he said.
Bain had previously dismissed two lawyers and explained to the court he does not have enough money to cover the cost of a lawyer himself.
Court awaiting psychiatric evaluation
Guttman said the standard legal aid fee for a defence lawyer in a first-degree murder case is $800 a day, plus additional fees for an assistant and research.
The judge in the case is giving Guttman until March 31 to see if he can work out a financial agreement with the Attorney General.
The court was to receive a psychiatric evaluation of Bain from a doctor at the Pinel Institute today, but that has been delayed.
The director of Pinel has asked the judge for a 60 day extension to deliver the report.
The Crown has said it would like to see the trial begin before this summer.
Guttman said he feels it will be "impossible" for the trial to begin before this fall, and possibly not before next year.
The case is back in court March 31.
