Sophia attempted murder: VC demands $1M settlement as case file remains in limbo

A 29-year-old man accused of attempted murder is at the centre of a developing legal standoff, as the virtual complainant (VC) in the matter has requested a $1 million settlement to resolve the case.
The matter, which stems from a violent altercation in Sophia in May, remains stalled in the legal system as the prosecution struggles to retrieve the case file from the necessary authorities.
Septon Barton, of Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was charged on April 10 with the attempted murder of Roger Vyfhuis following an incident that occurred two days prior.
During the altercation, Barton allegedly inflicted multiple stab wounds on Vyfhuis. The charge was laid following a police investigation and a video-recorded statement in which Barton reportedly admitted to the act.
Barton has remained on remand since his initial court appearance, as efforts to secure bail were denied.
The matter was most recently called before Magistrate Annette Singh; however, proceedings were once more hindered by administrative delays.
Prosecutors informed the court that although the file in the matter had already received legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), it was not currently in the possession of the police or the prosecution.
According to the prosecutor, the file had been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement (DCLE) for signing after advice was issued by the DPP.
However, when an officer attempted to uplift the signed file from the station the following day, no authorised individual was available to release it. As a result, the file remains somewhere within the administrative chain, delaying further action on the matter.
In court, Barton’s attorney, Dominick Bess, indicated that there had been some informal discussions between the parties regarding a possible settlement. He stated that his client may be willing to consider resolving the matter amicably, subject to terms acceptable to the VC. However, he noted that no formal proposal had yet been finalised or brought before the court.
At this point, Vyfhuis, who was present in court, requested to address the bench. Speaking directly to the magistrate, he confirmed that an offer had been made to him in the amount of $100,000, but he deemed it inadequate.
“I cannot accept $100,000,” Vyfhuis told the court. “I can’t work since the incident. I’m still on medication… antibiotics and other drugs.”
When asked by Magistrate Singh what amount he would be willing to accept, Vyfhuis responded that he believed a settlement of $1 million would be fair, given the severity of the injuries he sustained and the financial and physical toll the incident had taken on him.
The magistrate emphasised that, due to the nature of the charge, any possible withdrawal of the matter would require the approval of the DPP.
Even if both parties express a desire to settle, the prosecution cannot proceed with a discharge unless the DPP formally signs off on it.
Bess indicated he would relay the demand to his client and discuss the possibility of a revised settlement offer. The magistrate advised that if the parties were serious about a resolution, they should engage in meaningful dialogue before the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to June 18 for further updates, including the status of the file and any developments regarding a possible out-of-court settlement.