An Ascot home invasion remains before the authorities after a woman was seriously injured during the alleged theft of her car, with one of the accused teenagers now released on bail.
Background And Incident
The incident occurred in the early hours of 10 September 2025 at a residential property on Hopetoun Street, Ascot. Police allege three teenagers entered the property and accessed an apartment complex garage where a BMW was parked.
The vehicle’s owner, Emma Trillo, confronted the group at about 4:30 a.m. as the car was being taken. During the confrontation, the BMW was allegedly reversed into her, knocking her to the ground as she attempted to stop the theft. Ms Trillo was taken to hospital following the incident.
Injuries And Ongoing Recovery
Ms Trillo sustained significant injuries, including a broken hip and lumbar spine fracture. The court later heard she also suffered fractures to her pelvis and fifth lumbar spine, along with cuts and bruising.
Months after the incident, she continues to recover and has described lasting physical impacts, including nerve damage to her leg and a prolonged period requiring mobility aids. While some injuries have improved, her rehabilitation remains ongoing.
Charges And Court Proceedings
Three teenagers were charged in connection with the Ascot home invasion, including Leo Angelo Matar, who had recently turned 18 at the time. Two 16-year-old co-accused were also charged.
Matar faces charges including robbery in company with personal violence, entering a dwelling and committing indictable offences, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle in company. Police also allege the group was involved in other offences earlier that same morning, including a burglary in Hawthorne and the unlawful use of a Mercedes stolen from Greenslopes.
Bail was initially refused in September 2025. However, in January 2026, Matar was granted bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court after prosecutors acknowledged difficulties identifying him at the scene, including masked individuals on CCTV and forensic testing not yet finalised.
Bail conditions require him to live with his mother on the Gold Coast, comply with a night-time curfew, avoid Brisbane, and seek medical treatment.
Victim Notification Issue
Ms Trillo later said she was not informed ahead of the bail application. A victims’ advocacy representative attributed the missed notification to an administrative oversight. Court proceedings against the accused are continuing.
Published 26-Jan-2026