ATLANTIC

Trial of man accused in Halifax beating death may begin in 2016: judge

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, December 11, 2014 8:09AM AST Last Updated Thursday, December 11, 2014 11:36AM AST

Andre Noel Denny arrives at Nova Scotia Provincial court to be arraigned on charges steaming from the beating death of gay activist Raymond Taavel Halifax, N.S., on April 18, 2012.(Mike Dembeck / THE CANADIAN PRES)

Text:

HALIFAX -- A judge says the trial of a man accused in a fatal beating outside a Halifax bar may begin in 2016.

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 originally scheduled to stand trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in September, but it was delayed when he fired his lawyer.

Court heard that lawyers David Mahoney and Robert Gregan will represent Denny.

Judge Simon MacDonald said during the hearing that he expects Denny's trial won't be until 2016 because it requires a two-week voir dire and four weeks of hearings.

MacDonald said the date will be set when lawyers return to court on Jan. 15.

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