How Phillip Solomon went from AFL draft contender to jail cell

A gifted Queensland athlete was on the verge of being drafted into the AFL when his opportunity came crashing down and he found himself in a jail cell.

Phillip Solomon faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on November 15.

A former AFL draft contender armed himself with a wooden bat and a knife in an incident that led to police receiving multiple triple-0 calls, a court has heard.

Phillip Solomon, 23, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court on November 15 where he pleaded guilty to going armed to cause fear (domestic violence offence).

The court heard the victim in this matter was Solomon’s brother.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Griffiths said that on October 27, police were called to a West Gladstone residence after receiving multiple triple-0 calls.

Sgt Griffiths said when police arrived, Solomon and his brother were engaged in an argument, and Solomon was standing in the front yard, armed with a broken wooden bat and a knife.

Police told Solomon to drop the weapons but he did not comply.

Officers then presented their tasers and Solomon complied with police directions.

Sgt Griffiths said Solomon’s brother had also armed himself with a knife to defend himself and Solomon’s mother was fearful for her safety.

Phillip Solomon and his brother were engaged in an argument, and Solomon was standing in the front yard, armed with a broken wooden bat and a knife.

The prosecutor said Solomon had become angry because his mother was going to The Salvation Army without him.

The court heard that Solomon had a “small” Victorian criminal history but no Queensland criminal history.

It was told that Solomon’s Victorian history had offences on it including stalking and making threats to kill.

Solicitor Cam Schroder said Solomon, formerly a gifted sprinter while in Cairns, had a good work history having previously been employed as a labourer.

“He got a job with the Richmond Football Club, starting at 16 years of age, working as a labourer-cum-carpenter,” Mr Schroder said.

“And (he) was on the verge of being drafted into the AFL - and if he got a job on the team he would have been earning $80,000 to $90,000.

“This all came to an end with Covid and he lost his job and lost his chance of being drafted into the AFL.”

Mr Schroder said following this, Solomon fell into a deep depression and was out of work for two years.

“In Victoria the Covid was very serious, so he finally decided to travel to Gladstone where he’s got family here and support.”

Mr Schroder said Solomon now had a job lined up and an alternate house to live in.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Solomon on 12 months’ probation and she did not record a conviction.

Ms Buchanan took into account that Solomon had spent 19 days in pre-sentence custody, but she did not declare that.