Phillip Solomon is now awaiting sentencing after pleading to the 2018 fatal beating of his friend Vernon Cummings, at the Timehri Wharf.
Solomon had been originally indicted for murder, but at his arraignment in the High Court on Tuesday morning, he denied the capital charge; but pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.
He then accepted that he had unlawfully killed Cummings on October 24th, 2018, at the Timehri Docks on the East Bank of Demerara, Justice Brassington has, however, deferred his sentencing to October 25th, to facilitate the presentation of a probation and other social impact reports.
Solomon is being represented by defence attorney Jermaine Jervis; while the State is being represented by prosecutor Latifah Elliot. According to reports, Solomon and Cummings were friends and both worked as labourers at the docks.
They would also drink together and have arguments. On the day in question, the men were drinking and had a misunderstanding, which led to an argument and then a physical altercation.
During the scuffle, it was reported that Cummings armed himself with a piece of iron, while Solomon picked up a wooden paddle and they began to lash each other.
Solomon’s brother, after being informed of the fight, reportedly rushed to the scene to make peace.
The man, according to the police, took the piece of iron from Cummings, which led to Solomon lashing Cummings to his head, causing him to fall to the ground.
Cummings was later rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he died while receiving treatment.
