A 29-year-old man who claimed he acted in self-defence during a violent altercation in Sophia, was on Friday granted bail, weeks after being remanded on an attempted murder charge.
Septon Barton, of Plum Park, Sophia, had initially appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty on April 10, 2025, charged with the attempted murder of Roger Vyfhuis. The charge stemmed from an incident on April 8, during which Barton allegedly wounded Vyfhuis with the intent to kill him.
During his first court appearance, Barton’s attorney, Dominick Bess, argued that the incident was a clear case of self-defence. According to Bess, Barton and Vyfhuis had a long-standing dispute, with the virtual complainant reportedly being the aggressor. The attorney told the court that Vyfhuis had made repeated threats against Barton, prompting the accused to make several reports at the police station.
On the day of the altercation, Bess explained that Vyfhuis attacked Barton with a knife in his yard. Barton, in an attempt to protect himself, managed to wrestle the weapon away, during which Vyfhuis was injured. Bess emphasised that Barton went directly to the police station after the incident to report what had occurred and that he was even willing to move away from the area until the matter was resolved.
However, the prosecution objected to bail at the time, noting that Vyfhuis had sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalised in critical condition. They further argued that during a video-recorded interview following his arrest, Barton allegedly confessed to the act. Magistrate McGusty denied bail and remanded him to prison. The matter was initially adjourned to April 25 for report and consideration of bail.
At the subsequent hearing on Friday, Barton once again appeared before Magistrate McGusty and was represented by attorney Bess. The court was informed that Vyfhuis had been discharged from the hospital, prompting the Magistrate to grant Barton bail in the sum of $300,000.
However, Bess requested a reduction in the amount, citing Barton’s limited means. Magistrate McGusty reduced the bail to $250,000.
Barton is expected to return to court on May 30, 2025, as the case continues.
