Mental illness only explanation for alleged gunman’s acts: psychiatrist

The only explanation for accused Quebec election night shooter Richard Henry Bain’s actions outside the Parti Quebecois gathering in 2012 is mental illness, a forensic psychiatrist told his first-degree murder trial Friday.

Bain was never a violent man prior to the slaying for which he’s on trial, was generous to friends and family and respected the law, defence expert witness Marie-Frederique Allard told jurors.

But the accused was a “ticking time bomb,” due to an underlying bipolar disorder and a dangerous cocktail of anti-depressant medication he had been taking, which triggered a psychotic episode on election night 2012, she said.

“I don’t see any other explanation that is credible,” she said.

Bain, 65, has pleaded not guilty to one count of firstdegree murder, three counts of attempted murder and two arson-related charges in connection with the shooting outside the Metropolis nightclub in Montreal where PQ supporters were gathered.

Lighting technician Denis Blanchette was killed and fellow stagehand David Courage seriously injured after they were both struck by the same bullet outside the nightclub where then-PQ leader Pauline Marois was delivering her victory speech on Sept. 4, 2012.

The Crown says the crime was premeditated and politically motivated, while the defence argues Bain is not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.