Cyclist accused of keying parked cars hides in courthouse for four hours after appearance

The cyclist accused of keying parked cars in four Brisbane suburbs across eight months, has hidden inside court for four hours before sprinting from the building in an attempt to avoid the media.

The cyclist accused of keying parked cars in four Brisbane suburbs across eight months has hidden inside court for four hours before sprinting from the building in an attempt to avoid the media.

The identity of the accused can now be revealed as 51-year-old Fortitude Valley resident John Anthony Lyons, after he fronted court for the first time on Wednesday.

The Adelaide-born man is charged with eight counts of wilful damage and legally represented himself in Brisbane Arrests Court for the first mention on Wednesday.

John Anthony Lyons running from Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston

According to court documents, Lyons allegedly keyed four cars on Hubert St in Woolloongabba – two on September 24, 2023 and two more on December 30, 2023.

He is further charged with damaging a car on the corner of Bright and Hamilton Street in Kangaroo Point on November 19 last year.

Police also allege he was responsible for another key-and-ride on the corner of Arthur and Brunswick streets in Fortitude Valley on April 27 this year.

Lyons is also accused of keying a car on Harcourt St in New Farm on April 27 this year, and a final wilful damage charge on a parked car near 765 Stanley St in Woolloongabba on May 5 this year.

He was charged on June 19, given police bail, and handed a notice to appear in court.

During Wednesday’s proceeding, Lyons confirmed his name to Magistrate Louise Shephard, who then asked him if he wanted to see a duty lawyer.

“I’m seeking an adjournment to get legal advice,” Lyons replied.

John Anthony Lyons running from Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston

Magistrate Louise Shephard asked Lyons if he knew what he wanted to do in relation to the charges, to which he replied: “I’m not sure.”

The magistrate granted Lyons a four-week adjournment to sort out a lawyer and extended his bail.

After his case was done, Lyons hid within the Brisbane Arrests Court building for four hours in an attempt to avoid media cameras waiting outside.

He eventually emerged and sprinted from the building on Wednesday afternoon, leaving behind the bicycle he had used to get to court.

Court documents did not list an occupation for Lyons.

The case will return to court on August 7.