A climate change researcher accused of scratching expensive cars as he cycled past has left the courtroom in panic.
John Anthony Lyons, 51, hid behind a hoodie and mask as he ran through the street to avoid reporters outside the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday.
He is alleged to have scratched a number of cars while cycling through Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and New Farm in south-east Queensland between September 2023 and May 2024.
On June 19, Lyons was charged with eight counts of malicious damage.
He appeared in court unrepresented and told magistrate Louise Shephard he wanted an adjournment “to obtain legal advice”, according to The courier post.
The case was adjourned until August 7 and his bail was extended.
The PhD candidate from Queensland University of Technology is investigating how Antarctica can be protected from climate change.
According to the publication, Lyons hid in the Brisbane courthouse for four hours before leaving the building and running away from waiting media.
John Anthony Lyons, 51, hid behind a hoodie and mask as he ran across the street in an attempt to avoid reporters outside Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday
Lyons is alleged to have damaged a number of cars during his bike ride through Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and New Farm between September 2023 and May 2024
One of Lyons’ alleged victims, Glenn Maymann, emphasized the irony of the investigator’s alleged actions.
“If he wants to save the planet, well, all that paintwork and bodywork repairs…” he said 7News.
CCTV footage has been released of a man scratching a black Holden Colorado parked on the street with keys or a similar object.
Another clip reportedly shows him pushing his bike along the sidewalk with one hand and operating a car with the other.
Lyons left court wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and a pair of black and white sneakers.
He has not yet filed a request.