Matthew McKenzie refused bail again on alleged bikie motivated bashing at Palmview

An alleged bikie associate accused of procuring two alleged OMCG members to run a man off the road and assault him has tried to be released from custody after months behind bars.

Matthew James McKenzie faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court by video from jail on Thursday. Picture: Facebook

An alleged bikie associate accused of acquiring two alleged members of an outlaw motorcycle gang to chase and bash a professional gambler has been refused bail for a fourth time.

Matthew James McKenzie’s stint behind bars continues after his failed bail application in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, with magistrate Chris Callaghan finding he was still a risk of interfering with the alleged victim.

Mr Callaghan, in reading alleged texts sent by McKenzie to an associate of the complainant, quoted the Maroochydore man’s threats during the hearing.

“You might want to get my money sorted as you were involved with this and I told you from day one that if this s--- turned bad it would get bad for everyone,” Mr Callaghan quoted McKenzie.

Police allege an investment gone wrong was the catalyst for the brazen attack on the victim who was chased for 25km through holiday traffic before the group, driving in a Dodge Ram and a Ford Ranger, rammed the man’s Mercedes off the road and assaulted him.

It’s alleged McKenzie, 38, Nathan Peter John Dyson, 30, and Nicholas William Pozzebon, 27, played roles in the dangerous caper on September 18 last year. McKenzie is not accused of throwing any punches or driving either vehicle but procuring the men “to behave in a dangerous and threatening way”, the court heard.

McKenzie was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm (serious organised crime), operating a vehicle dangerously and endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent.

McKenzie faces three charges. Picture: Facebook

In court on Thursday, McKenzie’s first charge was downgraded to assault occasioning bodily harm in company (serious organised crime), with the grievous bodily harm count withdrawn.

His defence solicitor Chris Lumme applied for his release again and cited a new bail application could be heard as it meant a change in circumstances after McKenzie’s bail was refused in the magistrates court last year and twice in the Brisbane Supreme Court.

The court was told McKenzie’s co-accused, Pozzebon and Dyson, were both granted bail in the Supreme Court on their charges recently with their matters still before the courts.

Mr Lumme said McKenzie could live at Narangba if released on bail and had work available to him in Brisbane. Since being in custody, the court heard the 38-year-old suffered financially through his self employed business and had the building of his home impacted.

The solicitor said the alleged assault was disputed and claimed there were holes in the alleged victim’s version of events. He said the alleged victim did not tell medical staff of the alleged attack but later told police it happened.

Nicholas William Pozzebon. Picture: Contributed

Nathan Peter John Dyson. Picture: Facebook

Mr Lumme said his client could abide by strict conditions, including reporting to police and not contacting any members of the Rebels or his co-accused.

Police prosecutor Nick Nitschke said their position was the same as the Director of Public Prosecutions’ in objecting to bail, and cited the alleged connection to bikies and risks McKenzie posed to witnesses.

Mr Callaghan agreed there was a change in circumstances, but recounted the allegations against McKenzie which began when he tried to withdraw the money he invested with a professional gambler.

The magistrate said the alleged victim became so concerned with the 38-year-old’s threats he changed his routine and hired security.

“In another text message in May of 2024, ‘well give me (the alleged victim’s) address ... and you and I are even’,” Mr Callaghan quoted.

He told the Maroochydore man even though the alleged victim’s statements were different, there was still strong evidence he allegedly “procured” the accused bikies for the car chase and bashing. McKenzie’s bail was refused. His matters will return to court on April 24.

Originally published as Matthew McKenzie refused bail again on alleged bikie motivated bashing at Palmview