A 51-year-old cyclist and Fortitude Valley resident has been charged with eight counts of wilful damage in connection with a series of car keying incidents across Brisbane.
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The accused, identified as John Anthony Lyons, allegedly carried out the vandalism while riding his bicycle, targeting parked vehicles in multiple suburbs. Lyons, reportedly a university climate change researcher, appeared in Brisbane Arrests Court last week for the first mention of his case.
Based on reports, he targeted expensive vehicles in various suburbs in the city between September 2023 and May 2024.
CCTV footage released by QPS to the public shows a man, purportedly Lyons, using keys or a similar object to scratch parked cars, including a black Holden Colorado.
According to court documents, the incidents occurred in multiple locations:
- Woolloongabba: Four cars on Hubert Street (24 September 2023 and 30 December 2023)
- Kangaroo Point: One car at the corner of Bright and Hamilton Street (19 November 2023)
- Fortitude Valley: One car at the corner of Arthur and Brunswick streets (27 April 2024)
- New Farm: One car on Harcourt Street (27 April 2024)
- Woolloongabba: One car near 765 Stanley Street (5 May 2024)
Lyons was charged on June 19 and released on police bail. During Wednesday’s court proceeding, he represented himself and requested an adjournment to seek legal advice. Magistrate Louise Shephard granted a four-week adjournment and extended his bail.
In a dramatic turn of events following the hearing, Lyons attempted to evade media attention by hiding within the Brisbane Arrests Court building for four hours. When he finally left, he was seen sprinting down the street, concealing his identity behind a hoodie and mask in an effort to avoid reporters.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Lyons’ reported occupation as a climate change researcher. The motive behind the car keying remains unclear at this time.
Under Queensland legislation, intentionally and illegally damaging or destroying property is considered a criminal offence. This act is typically classified as a misdemeanour, unless specified otherwise.
If no alternative penalty is stipulated, individuals found guilty of this offence may face up to five years of imprisonment. This law applies to all cases of willful property damage, regardless of the specific circumstances or the property involved.
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The matter is set to return to court in four weeks, during which time Lyons is expected to secure legal representation.
Published 15-July-2024
