Brisbane man released after sentence for driving into synagogue gates — Jerusalem Post
A magistrates’ court in Brisbane, Australia, sentenced 32-year-old Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo to six months in prison for driving a car into the gates of the city’s Great Synagogue. At the same time, the court ordered his immediate release on a good behaviour undertaking, taking into account the 83 days the man had already spent in custody, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Driving into synagogue gates
The incident occurred on February 20 at about 7:15 p.m. near the synagogue on Margaret Street in central Brisbane. CCTV footage shows De Campo’s car arriving at the synagogue, after which it accelerated in reverse and crashed into the gates.
One section of the gates was torn from its fittings, with damage estimated at about 12,000 Australian dollars. No one was injured: a person standing behind the gates noticed the car and managed to step away moments before the gates collapsed.
After the collision, De Campo left the scene. Police tracked his car using a helicopter and detained him shortly afterward. Law enforcement previously said the collision was deliberate but saw no indication of an intent to harm anyone or enter the synagogue. The case was not investigated as a terrorist act.
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Charges and court decision
De Campo pleaded guilty to wilful property damage and two drug-related offences. Queensland Police initially charged him with wilful property damage with the aggravating circumstance of a hate crime. However, during the hearing that concluded with sentencing, the prosecution asked for this circumstance to be removed.
The court also heard information about De Campo’s severe mental state at the time of the incident. The judge said his behaviour while interacting with police indicated that he was likely paranoid and experiencing delusions. The defence argued that his condition was influenced by cannabis and methamphetamine use.
After being released on bail in May, De Campo entered a three-month rehabilitation programme. The defence provided the court with information about his progress in the programme. He will serve the unexpired part of the six-month term in the community under conditions set by the court.
