A 22-year-old man accused of involvement in three alleged arson attacks, including a fire that damaged a Clayfield wellness clinic, has been granted bail after appearing in Brisbane Supreme Court.
Read: Inside the QLD Fire Department Team Training Rescue Dogs for Disaster Zones
The man is facing three counts of arson and one count of possessing tainted property. The charges have not been resolved, with the allegations still before the courts.
The case centres on three alleged incidents targeting one family, including a fire at City Cave Clayfield on Sandgate Road on April 30. Two vehicles were also allegedly set alight at Ormiston on April 14 and Birkdale on April 26.
What The Court Heard
The Supreme Court heard the prosecution case was circumstantial and included encrypted communications that police allege showed the accused arranging the attacks. Police also allege a meeting between people involved was captured on CCTV, with the accused allegedly seen taking a paper bag containing cash. Police later seized about $6370 from his Birkdale address.
Prosecutors alleged the money was connected to the planned attacks, while the accused disputed that claim and said the cash was savings intended for a trip to Ireland.
During the bail hearing, Justice Melanie Hindman said the prosecution alleged the accused had been paid to act as a middleman in a dispute involving people connected to drugs. She described the alleged offending as serious because, in addition to property damage, it carried a risk of harm to innocent members of the community. The prosecution opposed bail, arguing there was a risk of further offending.
Bail Conditions Imposed
The defence pointed to the man’s age, limited criminal history, a prospective concreting job, and the arrival of his newborn baby. Justice Hindman ultimately granted bail, identifying the newborn as a protective factor and saying the baby should help keep the accused occupied while he was on bail.
The conditions include a ban on contacting witnesses, complainants and co-defendants. The accused must not use drugs, travel without permission, or go within 100 metres of City Cave Clayfield or the homes of the complainants.
Read: Clayfield Residents Urged To Stay Alert After 569 Offences Recorded
He is also subject to a curfew and must show his phone to police on request so they can check for banned encrypted apps. The man had previously been refused bail at Cleveland Magistrates Court in June, when the prosecution relied on evidence including electronic communications, CCTV and the seized cash.
City Cave Clayfield has remained closed since the April fire. In a social media statement, the business said the centre would be closed for several months because of significant damage. The business said it was helping guests access services at its Newstead location while it worked towards rebuilding the Clayfield centre. The criminal proceedings against the accused are continuing.
Published 23-September-2026
