Bail Granted for Man Accused of Ramming Brisbane Synagogue Gate in Alleged Hate Crime
Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo, 32, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court of Queensland after allegedly reversing his ute into the front gate of the Brisbane Synagogue, partially destroying it. The incident occurred in February 2024.
De Campo is charged with wilful damage, charged as an aggravated hate crime. The court heard he was under the influence of drugs at the time and plans to challenge the charge at trial.
Key Points from the Hearing
- Bail Sought for Rehabilitation: De Campo’s lawyer argued his client suffers from addiction to methamphetamine and cannabis and should be released directly into a residential drug rehabilitation facility.
- Prosecution’s Opposition: Prosecutors opposed bail, citing "delusional behavior" and a "preoccupation with religion in general" in the months before the attack, including references to the Bondi Junction stabbings.
- Prior Criminal History: The court noted previous weapon convictions, including for knives and handguns. De Campo was also found with a machete shortly before the ramming.
Psychiatric Assessment & Court Ruling
Justice Soraya Ryan initially adjourned the application for a psychiatric assessment.
"A psychiatrist opined that De Campo was most likely experiencing drug-induced psychosis on the night of the ramming."
A subsequent report found no ongoing psychotic symptoms and noted that De Campo was "highly motivated to engage in rehabilitation."
Based on this assessment, Justice Ryan granted bail on the strict condition that De Campo immediately enters and remains in a substance abuse treatment facility.
Next Steps
The case will return to the Brisbane Magistrates Court in July.