In a Calgary courtroom, a Crown prosecutor has forcefully urged a jury to reject a murder suspect's claim of self-defence, arguing the fatal stabbing was an act of "vigilante justice" motivated by jealousy and rage.
Crown's Case: A Vicious Attack, Not Self-Defence
Crown lawyer James Thomas told a Calgary Court of King’s Bench jury on Thursday that Dennis George Hart murdered 48-year-old Sean Barber because he was furious the victim had a consensual sexual encounter with Hart's former girlfriend, Carley Hunter. Thomas asserted Hart was not protecting himself when he stabbed Barber dozens of times in the living room of the victim's Bowness residence on September 12, 2023.
"He attacked Sean Barber to punish Sean Barber for his involvement with Ms. Hunter," Thomas said, framing the violent act as retribution rather than protection. The prosecution alleges Hart stabbed Barber 48 times during the confrontation.
The Defence's Argument: Fear and Intoxication
Defence lawyer Robin McIntyre presented a starkly different narrative for the jury's consideration. McIntyre argued that jurors should be skeptical of inconsistencies in the testimony of several prosecution witnesses, including Hunter herself. The defence contends Hart acted because he genuinely feared for his own safety and that of his ex-girlfriend.
Hart testified that his memories of that morning are fragmented, claiming he had consumed what he believed was methamphetamine provided by Barber. He told the court that Hunter had informed him she was drugged and subjected to an 18-hour, video-recorded gang rape—a claim the Crown disputes. Hart also said he believed Hunter had been kidnapped outside Barber's home, a belief he later acknowledged was an unfounded delusion caused by the mystery drug.
According to Hart's testimony, a dispute over Hunter escalated, and Barber threatened to kill him, prompting the violent struggle.
Text Messages Paint a 'Grim Story,' Says Prosecutor
The Crown pointed to a series of text messages sent by Hart while Barber was mortally wounded as critical evidence of his state of mind. Prosecutor James Thomas described these messages as proof of Hart's anger and his desire to control Hunter's movements after she left the residence.
"The text messages... tell a grim story," Thomas stated, arguing they were designed "to force others to bring Ms. Hunter to him." The messages, sent just before emergency crews arrived at the home to find Barber dead, included:
- "Your buddy’s bleeding out, where’s Carley"
- "Your good friend Sean has almost bled out"
- "I think your buddy Sean is close to death, you should bring Carley."
Thomas highlighted that Hart had gone searching for Hunter in Bowness after she departed, characterizing this as evidence of "aggressive, controlling behaviour."
Defence lawyer McIntyre argued that even if the jury does not fully accept the self-defence claim, they should have reasonable doubt about Hart's intent to commit murder. McIntyre suggested a conviction for the lesser charge of manslaughter would be appropriate.
Justice Jane Sidell is scheduled to deliver final legal instructions to the jury on Friday, after which they will retire to deliberate a verdict. The case will determine whether Hart is guilty of second-degree murder or a lesser offence.
