Thomas Anthony Valentine, 39: Frenchs Forest man allegedly went on $2 million vandalism rampage on northern beaches

At least $2 million damage was caused when a man allegedly went on a vandalism spree with a hammer through the northern beaches, with 30 businesses, including banks, damaged.

Damage to the Commonwealth Bank branch on The Corso, Manly, allegedly caused by a man armed with a hammer. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

A man accused of being armed with a hammer caused $2 million damage during an alleged 12-hour vandalism rampage across Sydney’s northern beaches, a court heard.

Thomas Anthony Valentine, 39, allegedly smashed the windows of banks, real estate agents, pubs, shops and dozens of cars during his alleged spree across several suburbs.

Manly Court was told that Mr Valentine, an unemployed landscape supervisor from French Forest, started his attacks on property at the Northern Beaches Cancer Care offices near his home at 5pm on Sunday.

Jodie Loveday, co-owner of belle property on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer on a vandalism rampage early on Monday. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

It ended just before 6am on Monday when he was arrested by police at Manly Wharf where he had allegedly damaged the nearby Wharf Hotel.

Mr Valentine lost an application in court on Tuesday to be released on bail.

Court papers revealed that a total of 30 banks, shops and businesses in the Manly CBD, Dee Why, Allambie Heights and Frenchs Forest were badly damaged.

The screens on about 20 ATMs operated by the St George, Westpac, Commonwealth, ANZ and NAB banks along The Corso at Manly were also smashed.

Mr Valentine is facing 39 charges including 34 counts of destroying or damaging property, three counts of aggravated break and enter with intent, and two counts of aggravated enter dwelling with intent while armed.

Linda Eggins, owner of Village Home & Gifts on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Police prosecutor Alex Hjorth told the court that the windows of about 40 vehicles between Allambie Heights and Manly were also damaged and that more charges in relation to damaged cars were pending.

In opposing bail, Sgt Hjorth said about $2 million in damage had been allegedly caused by Mr Valentine over a 12-hour period.

He said a number of businesses had suffered a loss of income due to the damage allegedly caused by Mr Valentine.

Liz Previtali, owner of SK Crystals on Sydney Rd, Manly, which was allegedly damaged by a man armed with a hammer, had to close her business for a day. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

“(It was) erratic and violent behaviour with a complete disregard for the community,” he said.

Sgt Hjorth argued that if Mr Valentine was released from custody, he may commit further offences, may not turn up for court and could be a danger to the community.

He said Mr Valentine was armed with an implement he described as a “glass-breaker”.

Police alleged in the court papers that Mr Valentine also damaged the Commonwealth Bank at Dee Why on Sunday night; the Bakers Delight outlet at Allambie Heights early on Monday morning as well as two pubs — including The New Brighton — three real estate agencies, a petrol station as well as a jewellery store, baby boutique, gift shop and a tobacconist.

Damage to an ATM at the St George bank branch on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Steve Howard

Hi Legal Aid solicitor Grant Slowgrove said that Mr Valentine had moved in with his parents at Frenchs Forest in September after losing his job. He had previously lived in Manly.

Mr Slowgrove said while businesses had been damaged and lost income, no items were allegedly stolen from any premises.

Magistrate Ian Guy refused Mr Valentine bail and adjourned the matters to the Downing Centre Local Court, for mention, on January 9, next year.