‘Alarming’: Lochlan Ebejer granted bail over alleged Woolworths urination

A Sydney man who allegedly walked into a supermarket and urinated on multiple shelves of produce – causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage, has been granted bail in court.

Lochlan Ebejer, 22, allegedly walked into Woolworths on George Street in the Sydney CBD and urinated on the fresh food. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

A Sydney man who allegedly walked into a supermarket and urinated on multiple shelves of produce- causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage, has been granted bail in court.

Lochlan Ebejer, 22, allegedly walked into Woolworths on George Street in the Sydney CBD and urinated on the fresh food.

The Toongabbie man is alleged to have spent “28 seconds” on July 1 urinating on two shelves of raw refrigerated meats in front of at least four “alarmed” customers before exiting the store.

One of the shoppers who witnessed the “unusual” incident, reported the alleged offence to staff who shortly after informed police the urination caused more than $300 in damage to products, and extensive work was undertaken over several hours to decontaminate the area.

It is understood Ebejer was previously banned from attending that Woolworths store, according to police.

Lachlan Ebejer, 22 has been charged after food was allegedly urinated on at Woolworths in the Sydney CBD. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

On Wednesday, police investigators released CCTV vision from the Woolworths and issued an appeal to the public for assistance in tracking down the alleged offender.

The footage shows the man – who police allege is Ebejer, tying up the drawstring on his pants while travelling up the supermarket escalator just before midnight.

The man was wearing a backwards navy blue cap, black jacket, black pants, dark blue shoes and was carrying a black satchel bag.

The footage shows the man – who police allege is Ebejer, tying up the drawstring on his pants while travelling up the supermarket escalator just before midnight.

The man was wearing a backwards navy blue cap, black jacket, black pants, dark blue shoes and was carrying a black satchel bag.

Shortly after the vision was released and following extensive inquiries, police arrested Ebejer at an address in Hunters Hill about 1.40am on Sunday.

He was taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with contaminate goods with intent to cause public alarm, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and offensive conduct while upon non-prescribed enclosed lands.

Ebejer faced Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday afternoon where he appeared via audio visual link from police custody, after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Ebejer faced Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday afternoon where he appeared via audio visual link from police custody, after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The court heard Ebejer had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder – for which he was medicated and was also receiving NDIS support.

Bail was opposed by the police prosecutor who described the alleged conduct as “quite alarming” and suggested there was a risk Ebejer would reoffend and fail to appear at his next court date, given his history of non – compliance with court orders.

Magistrate Robert Rabbidge described the alleged urination incident as “certainly unusual”.

Ebejer was granted bail under the condition he report to police daily and not enter any Woolworths store. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“The facts indicate it (the alleged offence) was a protest or as part of his mental health issues,” he said.

Mr Rabbidge said not only did the alleged incident cause alarm and “stress” for staff and customers, but lead to a possible “loss of integrity” for Woolworths.

Ebejer was granted bail under the condition he report to police daily and not enter any Woolworths store.

He is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday July 16.