Richard Bain murder trial: Defence tries to shake credibility of Crown psychiatrist

Richard Bain's defence teamis trying to cast doubt on the Crown's theory that the accused murderer was driven to violence by his anger over the Parti Qubcois's2012election win.

Bainis accused of first-degree murder for shooting lighting technician DenisBlanchette, who wasstanding outside the PQ'selection-night victory party on Sept. 4, 2012.The same bullet that killedBlanchettealso seriously injured his friend and colleague, Dave Courage.

The defence team isarguing thatBainshould not be held criminallyresponsible, because he was delusional at the time and believed he was on a mission from God to kill separatists and protect anglophones.

• CBC's complete coverage of theRichard Bain murder trial
• Richard Bain's irrational behaviour doesn't mean he's psychotic, murder trial hears

Psychiatrist Dr. Joel Watts, a court-appointed psychiatristcalled to testify by the Crown, wrapped up his testimony on Monday.

In his report, he wrotethat he believes Bain was angrybecause he was "unhappy at the results of the provincial election (and to some extent being unable to vote himself)."

Several times on Monday, defence lawyer AlanGuttman tried to shake Watts' credibility in front of the jury.

"Do you agree that other psychiatrists could disagree with you?" he asked over and over, referring to Watts' opinion on Bain'smental state in the months and days leading up to the shooting.

Watts replied that whileit's possible some psychiatrists may disagree, he added "theremay be others who agree with me" as well.

How long can homicidal anger last?

During cross examination, Guttman also tried to cast doubt on Watt's anger hypothesis.

Guttmansuggested that, if correct,Bain's "anger" would have had to last severalhours, long enoughto drive the two hoursfrom Montreal to his home in La Conception, Que., load his SUV with firearms,and then drive back to Montreal.

"How long can this homicidal anger last?"Guttmansaid to Watts."Wouldn't this have been like a boiling range?"

Watts answered that he believesBainhad underlying frustrations for quite some time leading up to the 2012 election day.

He testified thatthe type of "anger that can lead people to act in violent wayscan also be anger that people are able to keep within themselves."