Surf instructor Connor Lyons charged with new indecent treatment of children offences

Fresh accusations have been levelled at a Sunshine Coast surfer prior to him officially admitting to 29 charges which include allegations of indecent treatment and grooming.

Connor John Christopher Lyons faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court by video from jail on Thursday. Picture: Patrick Woods

A surf instructor who allegedly molested, groomed and exposed himself to children has been hit with new charges at the eleventh hour before he could officially admit to the original 29 alleged crimes.

Four fresh charges of indecent treatment of children were levelled at Connor John Christopher Lyons on Thursday, taking his total alleged offences to 33.

Police allege the Peregian Springs man committed indecent acts against children known to him through a professional capacity in the surfing industry.

He was arrested and granted bail last year, however was hauled back into police custody days later on more than a dozen additional charges, where police raised further allegations of grooming children along with possessing child exploitation material.

Connor Lyons competed in the World Surf League and ran his own surf school on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Instagram

The Peregian Springs man was then refused bail and has been in custody since December 19 last year.

In court on Monday, the 26-year-old represented himself after his lawyer withdrew and indicated he would plead guilty to his 29 charges after reading the brief of evidence which was delivered to him at Woodford Correctional Centre.

These charges included 16 counts of indecent treatment of children, five of wilful exposure, two of grooming, two of making child exploitation material, two of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and one of possessing child exploitation material and damaging evidence with intent.

The Peregian Springs man faced his prepared committal hearing on Thursday, where magistrate Chris Callaghan asked the 26-year-old again whether he’d like to question witnesses on evidence against him or acquire legal representation.

Lyons leaving the watch-house when he was first granted bail. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Nah I’m all good thanks, all the charges that are on there are all true,” Lyons replied as he appeared on the video link from jail.

When he was asked if he had seen the witness statements, Lyons said he had also “seen them all”.

In a twist, police prosecutor Tara Miles said Lyons now faced four new indecent treatment of children charges which he was given a notice to appear on Thursday.

Acting Sergeant Miles said the investigating officer was “urgently” putting together a brief of evidence which could be ready within the week.

Mr Callaghan however opted to adjourn the hearing for several weeks to allow him to also read witness statements and for the brief to be sent to Lyons at jail.

The surfer’s matters were adjourned to May 12.

Lyons, a renowned surfer and coach on the Sunshine Coast and beyond, boasted more than 9000 followers on Instagram where he regularly spruiked his surf school for all ages.

His account has since been deactivated.

Originally published as Surf instructor Connor Lyons charged with new indecent treatment of children offences