A former Queensland surf coach, once ranked on the WSL Qualifying Series, is eligible for parole in six months after pleading guilty to 31 child sex offenses. Connor Lyons, 27, was sentenced to five years in prison for crimes including grooming, indecent treatment of children, and willful exposure, committed against two young boys over a 14-month period.
Key Takeaways
- Connor Lyons, a 27-year-old surf coach, pleaded guilty to 31 child sex offenses.
- He is eligible for parole in June 2026, after serving six months of a five-year sentence.
- The offenses involved two boys, aged seven to ten, and included grooming and indecent treatment.
- Lyons admitted to accessing child pornography online for over a decade and filming children.
- Victim impact statements highlighted the severe psychological trauma experienced by the children.
Details of the Abuse
During his time as a surf coach, Lyons marketed his programs as "safe spaces" for young surfers. However, court documents revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. He insisted one of the minors sleep in the same swag as him, where he proceeded to molest the child in their sleep. The offenses, which occurred over a 14-month period, involved allegations of exposing himself, bathing with the children, molestation, and forcing them into naked massages during overnight coaching camps.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Lyons, initially granted bail under strict conditions, was arrested again as the number of alleged victims increased. He has remained in custody since. Police also alleged that after his initial arrest, Lyons attempted to wipe a device containing child abuse material. He reportedly confessed to accessing child pornography online for over a decade and filming children.
Despite representing himself in court after his lawyer withdrew, Lyons received a five-year sentence from Maroochydore District Court judge Glen Cash. The judge cited Lyons’s cooperation as a factor in the sentencing, a point questioned by some given his alleged attempts to conceal evidence. Lyons will be eligible for parole in June 2026.
Impact on Victims
Summaries of victim impact statements presented in court detailed the profound psychological distress experienced by the victims and their families. Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks told the court that one victim spoke of feeling broken and suffering from nightmares, waking up scared and crying. Lyons read a letter in court, apologizing for his actions and accepting full responsibility for the harm caused.
