Man Handed Imprisonment Following ‘Complete Disregard’ of Court Order & New Cocaine Charge

By Alric Lindsay

Darryle Arthur Derome Moore, who reportedly has long-standing challenges with drug addiction, was sentenced to one month imprisonment today, October 12, 2026, after being charged with consumption of cocaine and possession of a utensil used in the consumption of cocaine.  The charges followed a “second-chance” previously given to him by the court and his subsequent failure to comply with court-mandated rehabilitation conditions.

The court hit an immediate snag this morning when a drug test revealed Moore had tested positive for Ganja before his hearing. While it was indicated that Moore held a medical cannabis card since July, Magistrate McFarlane issued a stern legal warning, reminding him that a medical card is not an open license to smoke Ganja in the form of the raw, smokable cannabis flower.

Detailing the facts of the offence, Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) stated that on January 10, police officers observed Moore sitting inside a vehicle at Rum Point. A subsequent search uncovered 0.03 ounces of Ganja in his front left pants pocket. Moore made no reply under caution and also tested positive for cocaine.

Defence attorney Crister Brady argued heavily for mitigation, presenting a complex picture of a defendant struggling with deeply rooted psychological difficulties. Brady revealed that Moore is currently awaiting formal clinical assessments for autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, suggesting he has long suffered from undiagnosed conditions.

According to defence counsel, Moore’s long history of substance abuse was originally triggered by an “unpleasant memory of his father.”  Defence counsel argued that Moore had made genuine strides since February, writing a heartfelt letter to the court, engaging in department counselling, and securing enrolment in both the Ready 2 Work Programme and Inspire Cayman with aspirations to study psychology. A Social Inquiry Report confirmed Moore felt deep remorse and shame regarding his actions.

However, Magistrate McFarlane took a dim view of Moore’s compliance record, noting he had relapsed by the third and fourth months of a previous supervision order. The court heard that Moore had previously been offered entry into the specialized Treatment Court but consciously chose to reject the opportunity, a choice Magistrate McFarlane suggested was the wrong decision.

“I don’t want to say too little too late,” Magistrate McFarlane told Moore. “I believe [your letter] is heartfelt. You had comprehensive support. You declined.”

Expanding on this, Magistrate McFarlane said that she was persuaded not to impose a term of imprisonment for a previous matter, however, Moore breached the conditions in just three months. By doing this, Magistrate McFarlane said that Moore showed “complete disregard.”

Magistrate McFarlane said that she wasn’t sure what would be different on this occasion if she gave him another chance.  She emphasised that Moore had a “whole series of conditions before [that were] designed to support him.”  She queried whether Moore’s plea to the court now was “reactionary” rather than a recognition that he needs long term help.

Turning to the sentencing, Magistrate McFarlane emphasized that the strict starting point for cocaine offences is outright custody, an outlook worsened by Moore’s flagrant breach of existing court mandates.

Before taking his personal circumstances into account, Magistrate McFarlane set the starting point to four months’ imprisonment.  She adjusted this down to a one-month term of immediate imprisonment, after taking account his personal circumstances.  This was ordered to run concurrently across his charges. Moore was ordered to remain drug-free and fully engage in counselling upon release.

“I hope for these couple weeks, you get serious,” Magistrate McFarlane warned. “You need to be proactive. If you don’t utilize support, you’re gonna be back here again. If you come back, I will consider activation of the suspended six months.”