Wanted in three states, Gladstone man held in custody over multiple stabbing attack
A man who was sought by three state police forces over his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Queensland’s coast will remain in custody until at least October.
A supplied image obtained on Monday, August 28, 2023, shows Matthew Carlin Defreitas, 23 and of Gladstone, who was sought by Queensland Police over his alleged involvement in a stabbing in Gladstone on August 3, 2023. A man who was sought by three state police forces over his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Queensland's coast will remain in custody until at least October. (AAP Image/Supplied by Queensland Police Service) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Matthew Carlin Defreitas, 23, of Gladstone, appeared briefly in Brisbane Magistrates Court on one count each of attempted murder, threatening violence and possessing a knife.
Police allege Defreitas was the main offender in an incident in which a 30-year-old man suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations.
Officers were called to a property at Barney Point in the Gladstone region, about 400km north of Brisbane, at 11.40pm on August 3 following reports of an altercation.
The wounded man was transported in a critical condition to Gladstone Hospital before being airlifted to Brisbane.
Police launched a public appeal three weeks after the alleged stabbing in an effort to find Defreitas, who they believed could have fled to Victoria.
Defreitas was arrested the next day in Newcastle by NSW detectives and extradited back to Queensland.
During the hearing on Monday, Defreitas said only one word, “yes”, when asked to confirm his identity by Acting Magistrate Raelene Ellis.
Defreitas’ solicitor Christabelle Stafford-Smith did not apply for bail and sought a six-week adjournment.
Ms Ellis ordered that Defreitas be held on remand to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on October 9.
A 30-year-old South Gladstone man was also charged earlier this month with one count of attempted murder in relation to the alleged stabbing.
