Riley Jack McLarnon charged with robbing Surfers Paradise chemist at knifepoint

A man who allegedly robbed a pharmacy at knifepoint and tried to dump the stolen items into the ocean has faced court for the first time since his dramatic beach arrest.

A man charged with robbing a Gold Coast pharmacy at knifepoint and trying to dump the stolen items into the ocean has faced court for the first time since his dramatic beach arrest.

Riley Jack McLarnon appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing one charge of armed robbery.

Police allege the 19-year-old forced his way into a pharmacy on Surfers Paradise Blvd about 11.30pm Wednesday, threatening staff members inside with a knife before fleeing with numerous stolen items.

Officers allegedly soon tracked down Mr McLarnon on Surfers Paradise Beach as he tried to dump the stolen goods into the ocean.

Riley McLarnon has been charged with armed robbery after allegedly holding up a Surfers Paradise chemist overnight. Picture: Queensland Police Service

The Upper Coomera man was held in custody before his court appearance on Thursday afternoon, where he applied for bail.

Duty lawyer Shannon Fletcher told the court Mr McLarnon struggled with substance abuse, often turning to prescription medication to cope with his mental health concerns including depression and anxiety.

Ms Fletcher said the apprentice painter was seeing a psychologist but had found “little reprieve” with them, and was hoping to find another practitioner and gain entry to a residential rehabilitation facility.

The court was told Mr McLarnon was on probation at the time of the alleged armed robbery.

Magistrate Sarah Thompson refused the application after Mr McLarnon was unable to provide an address to the court, saying it meant she was unable to impose “essential” bail conditions such as a curfew.

Ms Thompson also said she considered it to be a strong case against him.

Mr McLarnon was remanded in custody with his case adjourned to January 23.