Sentencing hearing underway for mentally ill man who killed gay rights activist

HALIFAX – A sentencing hearing has been postponed for a mentally ill man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of prominent Halifax gay rights activist Raymond Taavel.

Andre Noel Denny was originally charged with second-degree murder in death of the 49-year-old man in April of 2012, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in November.

The sentencing began in Halifax Monday morning, but was postponed until Feb. 22.

Denny, a patient deemed not criminally responsible for his own actions in an earlier case, was issued a one-hour unescorted pass from the East Coast Forensic Hospital on April 6th, 2012, but didn’t return.

While authorities were searching for Denny, Taavel was beaten to death outside a Halifax bar following an altercation.

The Nova Scotia government issued an apology to Taavel’s family last month.

Health Minister Leo Glavine said a review identified significant gaps where improvements were required to ensure the protection of the general public.

Taavel’s family issued a statement at the time saying they remain concerned whether patients deemed not criminally responsible can be found if they don’t return to the hospital.