Andre Denny, accused in Raymond Taavel murder, now has 2 lawyers

The man accused of beating a prominent Halifax gay activist to death has two new lawyers.

Andre Noel Denny is charged with second-degree murder in the April 2012 death of 49-year-old Raymond Taavel.

The 35-year-old Membertou man was expected to stand trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in September, but it was delayed when he fired lawyer Don Murray for the second time.

The case was put over to Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. to give the two senior legal aid lawyers time to review disclosure.

"As I understand it, there are four or five boxes of disclosure that the lawyers have to review. So I expect that it’s a large, complicated case and that’s the era we live in in terms of complex crime," said Peter Mancini, Legal Aid Nova Scotia’s service delivery director.

"Mr. Denny is facing serious charges and requires counsel ... this is a complicated matter for anyone and that’s why it’s important to have counsel."

Mancini called them "two of the best lawyers in the province."  

Justice Josh Arnold approved Mancini’s request to adjourn the case until December, but questioned how long it would take to verify any conflicts of interest.

"Couldn’t they do that in an hour?" he asked.

Mancini, who isn’t representing Denny, said they want to avoid coming back to court unable to set a trial date. He says he will advise the court in writing, by mid-November, if there is a conflict for either lawyer.

"We’re trying to avoid anything that would cause problems down the road and make sure when we came back in December everything is ready to roll forward," said Mancini.

'Justice delayed doesn’t serve anyone'

The Crown, already vocal about delays in the case, said they want to move the case forward when they return in December.

"Justice delayed doesn’t serve anyone," said Mancini.  "At the same time, there can’t be a rush to judgment in a complicated matter. It’s to find that balance that's difficult. I think everyone is doing the best they can with a complicated case. Both the Crown, the defence, Mr. Denny and the judiciary."

Denny, who entered the court carrying a feather, was vocal in court, adamant he review the disclosure with his lawyers.

"This is Canada, not the United States," he said.

He also asked the judge for a publication ban on his case, because he stands "innocent of the crimes I’m accused of."

Denny argued there is "no need" to be publicized on television.

Arnold denied the request.  

Earlier this month, Judge John Murphy said he was getting concerned about the delay caused by Denny's inability to find representation.

Taavel, a well-known gay rights activist in Halifax, died outside Menz bar on Gottingen Street following an altercation.