Tamborine Mountain murder accused denied bail after two years in custodyAndrew HedgmanNewsWireThu, 2 October 2025 10:18AM
The man accused of murdering Tamborine Mountain father-of-two Matthew Berry has been refused bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court after representing himself during a short hearing on Thursday.
Daniel Robert McJannett, now 39, has spent more than two years in custody awaiting trial for the alleged killing of his longtime friend, who was found dead inside his Tolima Drive home in June 2023.
Mr Berry, 37, was discovered by his ex-wife, Edwina, after police allege he was violently killed on June 28.
Mr McJannett, who was once a groomsman at Mr Berry’s wedding, was arrested a week after the alleged murder and charged with one count each of murder, stealing, and possessing cannabis.
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Detective Inspector Chris Knight previously described the crime scene as “confronting” and confirmed the two men had been close friends.
Investigators claim McJannett also stole the home’s CCTV storage device on the same day.
Appearing via video link in prison greens, Mr McJannett worked as a glazier and crane operator, the court was told.
He said he was willing to undergo counselling, comply with a curfew, and wear an ankle monitor if granted release.
His wife and mother were present in court to support him.
When asked if he had anything to say in support of his application, he replied: “No, not really, Your Honour.”
But the Crown prosecutor argued the case against Mr McJannett was strong and said he had committed offences while previously on parole. He questioned what counselling would achieve, noting that Mr McJannett had no diagnosed issues and had not explained why he raised it.
Justice Peter Callaghan pointed to Mr McJannett’s criminal history, explaining he had been “convicted many times” for drug-related offending. Justice Callaghan noted there was nothing in Mr McJannett’s criminal history to suggest “he was capable of the violence” involved in the alleged murder.
“However, he faces a potentially strong case and the consequences of a conviction will be severe,” Justice Callaghan said.
He said Mr McJannett’s likelihood to flee “is high” and he had a history of offending while out on bail.
“The application will be refused,” Justice Callaghan said.
Members of Mr Berry’s family appeared visibly relieved by the court’s decision.
Mr McJannett has not yet entered a plea and remains in custody awaiting trial.
Originally published as Tamborine Mountain murder accused denied bail after two years in custody
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