The legal proceedings in a high-profile attempted murder case in Sophia have ground to a halt as the virtual complainant (VC) has demanded a $1 million settlement to resolve the matter, while the case file remains trapped in administrative limbo.

The case centers on Septon Barton, a 29-year-old resident of Plum Park, Sophia, who was charged in April with the attempted murder of Roger Vyfhuis following a violent altercation in May. Barton allegedly inflicted multiple stab wounds on Vyfhuis during the incident, and reportedly admitted to the act in a video-recorded statement to police. Since his initial court appearance, Barton has been remanded to prison after being denied bail.

The matter was most recently called before Magistrate Annette Singh. However, the proceedings have been repeatedly delayed due to the prosecution’s inability to retrieve the case file, which had been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement for signing after receiving legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Attempts to collect the signed file have been unsuccessful, leaving the case in a state of suspension.

During the latest court session, Barton’s attorney, Dominick Bess, acknowledged that informal discussions had taken place regarding a possible out-of-court settlement. He indicated that his client was open to an amicable resolution, subject to terms agreeable to the VC. Vyfhuis, present in court, confirmed directly to the magistrate that he had been offered $1 million to settle the matter.

As the case file remains inaccessible and no formal settlement proposal has been put before the court, the future of the proceedings is uncertain. The situation has raised concerns about administrative delays and the potential for financial settlements to sideline the judicial process in serious criminal matters. The case is expected to return to court once the necessary documentation is secured and a clear path forward is established.