A university climate change researcher accused of scratching expensive cars while riding a bicycle has made a mad dash from court.
John Anthony Lyons, 51, hid behind a hoodie and mask as he ran down the street in an attempt to avoid reporters outside Brisbane Committal Court on Wednesday.
They allegedly scratched several cars while cycling around Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and New Farm in south-east Queensland between September 2023 and May 2024.
Lyons was charged with eight counts of wilful damage on June 19.
He appeared in court without legal representation and told Magistrate Louise Shephard he would like an adjournment “to obtain legal advice,” according to The courier mail.
The matter was adjourned until August 7 and bail was granted.
The Queensland University of Technology PhD student is researching how to protect Antarctica from climate change.
The publication reported that Lyons hid inside the Brisbane Arrest Court for four hours before storming out of the building and fleeing from waiting media.
John Anthony Lyons, 51, hid behind a hoodie and mask as he ran down the street in an attempt to avoid reporters outside Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Lyons allegedly scratched several cars while cycling in Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and New Farm between September 2023 and May 2024
One of Lyons’ alleged victims, Glenn Maymann, highlighted the irony of the investigator’s alleged actions.
“If you want to save the planet, well, all those repaints and body repair jobs…” he said. 7News.
CCTV footage has been released showing a man using keys or a similar object to scratch a black Holden Colorado parked on the street.
In another clip, he is allegedly seen pushing his bike along the sidewalk with one hand and scratching a car with the other.
Lyons walked off the court wearing a pair of blue jeans, a black hoodie and a pair of black and white sneakers.
He has not yet filed any statement.