Settlement reached in Solomon voyeurism case

Dr. Anthony Garry Solomon had been charged with making and possessing child pornography, and voyeurism in 2017, but criminal charges were withdrawn following his death a short time later and a civil class action case has been underway for the past two and a half years.

During an online hearing on Friday, Justice Graeme Mew approved the total settlement of $425,000, which will see each of the 295 victims awarded $1,000 after payment of legal costs, taxes and administration fees.

A breakdown of the settlement is as follows:

– $350,000 for class damages

– $20,000 to EPIQ to administer the settlement to the class members

– $55,000 towards legal costs

Class Counsel member Kris Bonn tells Quinte News if less than 295 people come forward to collect on the settlement, the amount could be more.

Justice Mew noted that in his opinion the settlement was “fair and reasonable, and in the best interest of the class members”, given the fact that a private investigator found Dr. Solomon’s estate did not have enough assets to pay significant damages.

In his brief response to the class filing, Defence Counsel Richard Macklin pointed out that his side is not admitting any guilt or liability on the part of Dr. Solomon, but felt it was important to settle the case and put an end to the issue.

Class members have until July 1, 2020 to decide whether to accept the settlement, opt out completely, or decline and file their own suits individually.