Leon Jessy Leigh Stretton charged over Mackay sex worker armed robbery, denied bail

A man accused of robbing two Queensland sex workers at gun and knifepoint has tried to push for bail release with his lawyer arguing the evidence was ‘not particularly strong’. See what the local magistrate had to say.

Leon Jessy Leigh Stretton is charged with the alleged armed robbery against two sex workers in Mackay in September 2023.

A Whitsunday man accused of robbing two Mackay sex workers while armed with a gun and a knife will sit in jail on remand over Christmas after a magistrate rejected his bail bid finding there was too big a risk to release him.

Police allege Bowen man Leon Jessy Leigh Stretton booked two separate appointments with the women 15 hours apart on September 19.

The first alleged victim was a 52-year-old woman.

Police allege Mr Stretton booked an appointment at a Nebo Rd massage business about 1am and before any services occurred pulled out a gun before taking cards and cash from the woman.

It is alleged he then booked a second appointment at 4pm, went to a private address in Mackay and again before any services threatened a 55-year-old woman with a knife before fleeing the scene with money.

Bowen man Leon Jessy Leigh Stretton allegedly robbed two sex workers in Mackay at gun and knifepoint.

The 30 year old is charged with two counts of armed robbery over the incidents as well as a raft of other unrelated offences including assault causing bodily harm and common assault, both as a domestic violence offence, failing to appear in court and fail to comply with reporting.

He appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday via video link when ATSILS solicitor Robyn Cathcart made a bail application arguing the evidence against her client was “not particularly strong” regarding the robberies.

“One of the victims, she misidentified him,” Ms Cathcart told the court.

“There was a bag found with some of the items from the robbery however they were not found at Mr Stretton’s address … they were found at a friend of his place.”

The court heard Mr Stretton was in a show cause position, meaning he must prove why he should get bail, and Ms Cathcart said he was able to live with his partner if released.

Leon Jessy Leigh Stretton is charged with the alleged armed robbery against two sex workers in Mackay in September 2023.

“We’re arguing that he should be given a chance for bail because the evidence at first blush looks strong but when you go through it, it’s not all that strong and the DNA evidence will be crucial,” Ms Cathcart said, adding it would not be available until mid 2024.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer said the allegations indicated Mr Stretton “resembled the description given” and was captured on CCTV footage with some stolen property “trying to activate it or use it in various stores”.

“I disagree with Ms Cathcart, the evidence against you is very strong.

“The allegations involve you getting … women victims on their own, going to their home and using guns and knives to rob them.

“I’m not satisfied you’re not going to commit further offences, I’m not even satisfied you’re going to show up.”

The court heard the forensics would not be available until April 2024.

The case was adjourned until May.