Gold Coast crime news: Alleged ‘bike bandit’ unmasked, facing 57 charges

A BMX bike rider accused of terrorising residents in a crime spree across three Gold Coast suburbs is seeking taxpayer-funded legal aid.   

A BMX bike rider accused of terrorising residents in a crime spree across three Gold Coast suburbs is seeking taxpayer-funded legal aid.   

Police allege Ricky James Andrews, 35, committed a number of property offences across Labrador, Arundel and Parkwood during May and early June.

He is facing more than 50 charges, including fraud, attempted fraud and receiving tainted property.

Andrews’ matter was briefly mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.

Law clerk Hayden Bygott, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, told the court that Andrews had sought legal aid and was waiting to receive a response.

Legal Aid Queensland offers legal help to financially disadvantaged Queenslanders across criminal, family and civil matters.

Anyone seeking legal aid must first apply for a grant and to be eligible they must meet the organisation’s financial eligibility tests.

Magistrate Mark Bamberry agreed to adjourn the matter until August 19.

Andrews was not required to appear in court and was remanded in custody.

Southport Courthouse. Picture: Jerad Williams

UNMASKED: Alleged ‘bike bandit’ facing 57 charges  - June 23

A BMX bike rider who allegedly terrorised residents in a crime spree across three Gold Coast suburbs is facing 57 charges.

Last month, the Bulletin reported Labrador residents had described seeing a man on a BMX bike scoping out apartment complexes and committing a range of crimes.

This led residents to nickname him the “bike bandit”.

Police will allege the man riding a BMX bicycle committed a number of property offences across Labrador, Arundel and Parkwood during May and early June.

A BMX bike rider who allegedly terrorised residents in a crime spree across three Gold Coast suburbs is facing 57 charges. Generic image

On June 9, police found and arrested a 35-year-old Labrador man at Heydon Ave, Labrador, after he allegedly attempted to flee from officers.

He has been charged with 19 counts of fraud, 14 counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence and 13 counts of receiving tainted property.

He is facing another eight counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, two counts of attempted fraud and one count of attempted enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence.

He is remanded in custody and due to reappear at the Southport Magistrates Court on July 22.

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