Riley Jack McLarnon pleads guilty to armed robbery at Surfers Paradise pharmacy

A man ran into the surf in a desperate attempt to evade arrest after holding up a Surfers Paradise chemist. Find out what happened in court.

A man ran into the surf in a desperate attempt to evade arrest after robbing a Surfers Paradise chemist while armed with a paint scraper.

Bodyworn camera footage shows police wading into the ocean to arrest Riley Jack McLarnon, who stole more than 70 packs of medication from the 24-hour pharmacy on November 28 last year.

Southport District Court was told an intoxicated McLarnon and an unidentified woman first entered at about 11.30pm – drawing attention with their “suspicious” attire – before the 20-year-old returned on his own.

Riley McLarnon was arrested on the Surfers Paradise beachfront.Picture: Queensland Police Service

Prosecutor Paul Kay said McLarnon pulled a paint scraper from his bag as he walked behind the counter, prompting the pharmacist to tell his assistant and customers that they were being robbed and needed to leave.

Mr Kay said McLarnon filled his bag with medication and ran out of the chemist, yelling at and getting into a brief struggle with onlookers before fleeing.

Police spotted him on The Esplanade and gave chase when he tried to escape, running down onto the beach and then into the surf. Officers found the paint scraper in the sand nearby.

McLarnon had been in custody since his arrest and was supported by his mother in court, it was heard.

Riley McLarnon was arrested on the Surfers Paradise beachfront. Picture: Queensland Police Service

The court was told McLarnon struggled with anxiety and depression and had turned to “significant and escalating” drug use to cope with a relationship breakdown.

Defence barrister Halley Robertson said her client had a limited criminal history and was in the initial stages of a probation order at the time of the robbery.

Ms Robertson said McLarnon wanted to continue the path of rehabilitation he had started on while in custody.

“He’s very open and accountable, and has insight into his conduct and what his past has held and how he needs to change things for his future,” Ms Robertson said.

McLarnon pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery.

He was sentenced to three years’ jail with parole release on September 29, 2024.

Originally published as Riley Jack McLarnon pleads guilty to armed robbery at Surfers Paradise pharmacy