A 29-year-old Sophia man has been granted bail after spending several weeks on remand for an attempted murder charge stemming from a violent altercation in early April.

Septon Barton, of Plum Park, Sophia, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where his bail application was reconsidered. Barton is accused of attempting to murder Roger Vyfhuis on April 8, during an incident in which Vyfhuis sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized in critical condition.

During the initial court proceedings, Barton’s attorney, Dominick Bess, argued that his client acted in self-defence, citing a long-standing dispute between the two men and alleging that Vyfhuis was the aggressor. Bess told the court that Vyfhuis had made repeated threats against Barton, prompting several police reports prior to the altercation. On the day of the incident, Bess claimed, Vyfhuis attacked Barton with a knife in his yard, leading Barton to wrestle the weapon away, during which Vyfhuis was injured. Barton then reportedly went directly to the police station to report the matter.

Despite these arguments, the prosecution initially objected to bail, highlighting the seriousness of the injuries sustained by Vyfhuis and noting that Barton allegedly confessed to the act during a video-recorded police interview. Barton was remanded to prison, and the matter was set for further consideration.

At the most recent hearing, the court was informed that Vyfhuis had been discharged from the hospital, prompting Magistrate McGusty to grant Barton bail in the sum of $300,000. Following an application by Barton’s attorney for a reduction due to his limited means, the bail was lowered to $250,000. Barton is expected to return to court on May 30, 2025, as the case continues.