Sunshine Coast surf coach Connor Lyons to be sentenced for child abuse offences

A renowned surf instructor will soon face sentencing for sexually exploiting children and he is choosing to represent himself in court.

Connor John Christopher Lyons faced Maroochydore District Court on Wednesday from custody. Picture: Patrick Woods

A man who abused multiple children during his time as a surf coach on the Sunshine Coast will soon be sentenced on more than 20 sexual offences.

Connor John Christopher Lyons again represented himself at his latest legal proceeding, this time in the Maroochydore District Court on Wednesday on 26 charges.

The Peregian Springs man continues to forgo legal representation following guilty pleas on May 22 at a committal hearing in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court to more than two dozen offences.

Lyons after he was first granted bail. Picture: Patrick Woods

This included multiple counts of indecent treatment against a child and making child exploitation material. 

His case was adjourned to the higher court where an indictment was presented to Judge Glen Cash on Wednesday.

Lyons appeared in court by video from prison in his assigned green clothing, sans his blonde highlights, while sporting brown hair and a noticeable goaty.

The 27-year-old told Judge Cash he had not received the indictment from the prosecution while in prison, which included the statement of facts and other materials.

He confirmed to the court he would still represent himself, even at his sentencing hearing which he wanted to be “as soon as possible”.

The 27-year-old has been in custody since December last year following his second arrest. Picture: Patrick Woods

Judge Cash told the 27-year-old Lyons needed to carefully read the documents sent to him and to decide whether he accepted or disputed the facts of the allegations.

Lyons was then explained the sentencing process by Judge Cash before his matter was adjourned to next week to allow for him to read the entire indictment in prison.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

Lyons, a renowned surfer and coach, has been in custody since his second arrest in late December last year after multiple victims came forward.

His now deactivated Instagram which boasted more than 9000 followers included regular posts of his surfing endeavours and his surfing school, which he spruiked for all ages.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast surf coach Connor Lyons to be sentenced for child abuse offences