Publication ban maintained in Quebec election-night shooting

MONTREAL – A judge has ordered a publication ban be maintained throughout a preliminary hearing for the man charged in Quebec’s election-night shooting.

Quebec court Judge Pierre Labelle’s blanket ban means nothing can be reported about Richard Henry Bain’s hearing.

Labelle’s decision this morning appears to go even further than what was requested by the Crown.

His ruling means even observations and details cannot be reported. The ban also covers evidence presented at the hearing.

Bain is facing 16 charges, including first-degree murder, stemming from last September’s shooting.

One man was killed and another injured outside the concert hall where Premier Pauline Marois was delivering her victory speech.

Labelle also put his own decision under publication ban, meaning the reasons for maintaining the ban cannot be reported.

One media lawyer said he would discuss with his clients about challenging the ruling.

The publication ban was being contested by media and Bain himself.

Bain’s previous appearances in court have been marked by frequent outbursts and long diatribes about his political beliefs.

Usually, a publication ban on the evidence is normal at the preliminary hearing stage and is automatic when requested by the defence.

In this instance, it was the Crown that made the request, hoping to preserve a fair trial for Bain. When the Crown asks for a ban, it’s up to the judge to make the final decision.

The preliminary inquiry picks up again on May 21.