Anthony Jones, 41, called ‘Pastry Man,’ was yesterday morning handed a life sentence for the 2018 killing of 20-year-old Nyron Vyphuis, who was stabbed in the heart after intervening in an argument Jones was having with his (Jones’) wife, to prevent him from hitting the woman.
“Peacemakers are to be protected and cannot be made to pay the price for bringing peace,” Justice Sandil Kissoon told a visibly distressed Jones who sunk his head into his palms after hearing the sentence.
Jones had initially been arraigned for murder, but threw himself at the mercy of the Court some weeks back, pleading guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter; admitting that he had unlawfully killed Vyphuis on October 13th, 2018.
His sentencing had been deferred for a probation report and impact statement from the dead lad’s family.
Referencing the facts of the case which Jones did not dispute, Justice Kissoon noted the premeditated nature of the attack unleashed on the young man, whose only aim he said on that fateful day, was to bring peace.
On this point, the judge recalled from the facts that even though someone had managed to disarm an irate Jones of an axe which he initially had in his possession, he left the scene and moments later returned with a knife
Justice Kissoon said that clearly with a “murderous intent,” it is that knife with which Jones launched towards Vyphuis, plunging it into his chest and piercing his heart, causing the young man’s death.
The judge told a seemingly embarrassed Jones that his actions were not only senseless and unprovoked, but that because of him society from all indications had been deprived a productive citizen, but even more—a family—has suffered an unbearable loss.
The judge said that the mitigating factors submitted in writing on behalf of the offender by his attorney, were far outweighed by the aggravating factors; declaring that in the circumstances, only a life sentence would suffice with 20 years to be served before being eligible for parole.
“Your actions were ruthless and you displayed scant regard for that innocent young man’s life,” Justice Kissoon told Jones; while adding, “You deliberately redirected your anger from your spouse to him who intervened only as a peacemaker.”
In a victim impact statement, the court heard from Cassie Vyphuis who said that her brother’s death is a profound loss and has left a void in their family which cannot be filled, the trauma of which she said they would probably never overcome.
She remembered her brother as fun-loving and caring and said that his death has been even more impactful because mere months earlier they also lost their father as a result of which they had already been plunged not only into grief, but depression.
Cassie said that following her father’s death, it was her brother who had picked up the reins of sole breadwinner for their other siblings, grandmother and mother, who has been particularly devastated by the loss of her son.
“He was not only our provider, but our male source of protection is now gone. I miss my brother,” the tearful young woman said.
In his address to the court, Jones said that he fully accepts responsibility for his actions, even as he begged the young man’s family for their forgiveness; stating that his actions were “not intended.”
“Please find it in your hearts to forgive me,” he pleaded, adding that he had also asked God for forgiveness.
He then begged the judge to be lenient with him.
Probation and Social Services Officer Carol Beresford had told the court that while accepting responsibility and expressing regret for his actions, Jones indicated to her in their interview that he was “drunk.”
She said that members of the Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway community where he lived described him as a nuisance and trouble maker.
Beresford said, too, that the man’s mother had described him as defiant from a young age and that against her will he left school, stating that he instead wanted to work.
He was once a farmer and soldier, but at the time of the offence, vended pastries in his community.
Stabroek News had previously reported that Jones was quarrelling with his common-law wife on the day in question, and was about to hit her when Vyphuis intervened to stop him. An argument ensued and he dealt him the fatal stab to his heart.
Jones was represented by Senior Counsel Stanley Moore, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutor Lisa Cave.
The matter was heard at the High Court in Georgetown.
