Bail granted to man accused of synagogue ramming in Brisbane amid drug-induced psychosis claims
Consensus Summary
A 32-year-old man, Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo, was granted bail on May 13, 2026, for allegedly ramming his vehicle into the gates of Brisbane Synagogue on February 20, 2026. Charged with wilful damage as a hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and drug possession, De Campo’s bail was approved under strict conditions, including mandatory residence in a drug rehabilitation facility. Both sources confirm a psychiatrist determined his psychosis was drug-induced, linked to methamphetamine and cannabis use, with no ongoing risk of harm. Prosecutors initially opposed bail due to concerns about his mental state and prior delusional behavior, but the court accepted his motivation to engage in rehabilitation. The incident was captured on CCTV, and De Campo’s legal team emphasized his addiction as a mitigating factor. Bail conditions also include a curfew and a ban on weapons, with the rehabilitation facility required to monitor his progress.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo (32) was granted bail on May 13, 2026, for allegedly ramming his Toyota HiLux into the gates of Brisbane Synagogue on February 20, 2026, in the CBD.
- De Campo is charged with wilful damage as an aggravated hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and possessing drugs.
- A psychiatrist concluded De Campo experienced drug-induced psychosis linked to methamphetamine and cannabis dependency, with no evidence of ongoing psychotic symptoms during his latest assessment.
- Bail conditions include residing in a secure drug rehabilitation facility, complying with a curfew, and not possessing weapons.
- Justice Soraya Ryan adjourned the bail hearing to allow for a psychiatric assessment before granting bail.
- De Campo’s lawyer argued his client was affected by drugs at the time of the incident and should be released into rehabilitation.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- De Campo was found with a machete shortly before the alleged offending.
- Prosecutors submitted he had allegedly demonstrated 'delusional behaviour' for some months prior to the incident, referencing the Bondi shootings.
- De Campo had previously been convicted of weapon offences, including possessing knives and handguns.
- The court heard CCTV footage of the incident, which is not disputed, showing De Campo behind the wheel.
- De Campo allegedly made 'nonsensical' statements regarding religion during a police interview, leading to the hate crime classification.
- The Crown prosecutor noted evidence of 'delusional' and 'paranoid' behaviours directed toward religious organisations over 3.5 months.
- The psychiatrist report stated De Campo was 'suspicious and guarded' during his first assessment but 'engaged much better' in the second.
- De Campo is accused of possessing utensils or pipes for use, in addition to the other charges.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states De Campo 'does contest any religious motivation,' while NEWSCOMAU implies his mental state was linked to 'nonsensical' religious statements during police questioning.
Source Articles
Man granted bail over synagogue ramming had religious 'preoccupation', court hears
The 32-year-old was allegedly high on drugs when he rammed his car into the gates of Brisbane's largest synagogue in February.
‘Psychosis: Hate crime accused’s claim
A psychiatrist has detailed the maniacal state of a man accused of deliberately targeting a Jewish synagogue in an act of hate.