Police Officer Gets 100 Hours Of Community Service For Common Assault At Fidel Murphy’s. No Conviction Will Be Recorded
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By Alric Lindsay
Norrie Fernando Solomon, reportedly an officer with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, appeared in the Summary Court today, May 7, 2025, to face charges of common assault and failing to provide a breath specimen. The Chief Magistrate ordered Solomon to do 100 hours of community service for the common assault, after which no conviction will be recorded. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months for failing to provide a breath specimen.
Background
As explained in the Summary Court, Solomon went to Fidel Murphy’s on May 20, 2024, at approximately 10 pm to meet up with some friends.
Shortly after arriving, a heated exchange occurred between Solomon and a man unknown to him. This resulted in a physical altercation.
Reportedly, the bartender asked Solomon to leave the premises because he appeared to be intoxicated.
Mr Jones was a security guard on duty at the relevant time and instructed Solomon to leave.
Mr Jones followed Solomon outside, where he then proceeded to take a photograph of Solomon’s vehicle licence plate.
Solomon exited his vehicle, returned to Fidel’s, and confronted Mr Jones.
Reportedly, Solomon grabbed the cell phone from Mr Jones’s hand.
Mr Jones managed to retrieve the cell phone from Solomon.
After approximately 5 minutes after Mr. Jones exited the building, Solomon approached him. Jones took out his cell phone again and began recording Solomon.
Reportedly, Solomon grabbed Mr. Jones by his neck, and Mr. Jones grabbed him back.
A tussle ensued, leading both men to fall to the ground, where they continued to wrestle.
Solomon was held on the ground by Mr. Jones for a while and then released.
Solomon got up and tried to pursue Mr. Jones again and was held back by persons observing the incident.
Mr. Jones picked up a handicap parking sign and told Solomon that he would get hurt if he came at him again.
Solomon then left the premises and went home.
Jones reported the incident to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. He informed the RCIPS that he had observed Solomon to be intoxicated and that he had driven his car away.
While the police could not locate the car, they searched for its registration number, which led them to Solomon’s house.
Solomon was arrested under caution and taken to the detention centre. The officers requested a breath test, which Solomon refused.
In June 2024, Solomon was interviewed under caution. He offered a prepared statement and replied, “No comment.”
Sentencing
Arguing on Solomon’s behalf, his attorney noted that Solomon is 31 years old and volunteers his time in the community in various charitable events.
Two character references were also submitted to the Court on Solomon’s behalf.
In addition, a letter of apology was provided expressing his deep remorse.
Lastly, it was noted that Solomon has undertaken counselling and continues to receive counselling.
Overall, Solomon’s attorney painted a picture that Solomon’s actions were a departure from the person he was described to be in the reference letters.
In the circumstances, the common assault was described as an “isolated event” and Solomon’s lawyer asked the court to consider the Alternative Sentencing Act essentially giving him a second chance.
His lawyer added, “It is a relative certainty he will lose his job with the RCIPS weeks after this incident.”
After hearing the arguments from Solomon’s lawyer, the Chief Magistrate noted that his social inquiry report ranked him as “low” for reoffending.
The Chief Magistrate added:
It would appear from the references also that this was completely out of character to you consequences of your actions.
… I accept that you have accepted full responsibility and you have nothing but deep remorse in relation to this matter.
The Chief Magistrate continued:
Accordingly, in relation to the charge of common assault… I will give you a conditional discharge for a period of 12 months with community service of 100 hours to be completed.
If you successfully complete and with no breach or further offences, then no conviction will be recorded in relation to the common assault.
The Chief Magistrate concluded:
We understand in relation to the failing to prevent this specimen of breath, you know what the consequences of that are and therefore you are disqualified for 12 months from today.
You are warned not to try whilst disqualified or you run the risk of imprisonment.
You’re also find the $300.00 or three weeks (in prison) in default.
Solomon was informed of his right to appeal.
