Bowen man Leon Stretton charged over two sex worker armed robberies in Mackay

A Queensland man who allegedly threatened two sex workers in two separate incidents, robbing them at gun and knifepoint after booking an appointment with them has been identified.

Bowen man arrested and charged over the alleged armed robbery of two sex workers in Mackay.

Mackay detectives have arrested and charged a man who allegedly threatened two sex workers at gun and knifepoint in two separate armed robberies.

Leon Stretton, 30, was charged with the violent incidents on Tuesday, September 19 at 1am and then 4pm against a 52-year-old and 55-year-old woman.

He appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday, making no application for bail.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said it was unlikely she would have approved any bail application, noting Stretton’s charges would have to go up to District Court.

Criminal Investigation Branch officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton said police alleged the man booked an appointment with the women.

Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton. Picture: Janessa Ekert

It is alleged the armed robberies occurred before any appointment was completed.

Police allege after arriving at the two private addresses the man threatened the first woman with a firearm and threatened the second woman with a knife.

Senior Sergeant Eaton said investigations led police to a home in Mackay where the 30-year-old Bowen man was arrested.

Stretton has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and one count of fraud, possessing marijuana and failing to appear in court.

Stretton’s matters were adjourned to December 11 and he remains in pre-sentence custody.