Moranbah detectives charge man with deprivation of liberty after home invasion

Police have tracked down one of two men accused of attacking a 70-year-old woman in her own home, yet failed to steal anything.

Mackay district police are responding to an attempted robbery with violence incident at Oxford in the Isaac Region this morning, 17 November, 2025. Picture: Dannielle Williams

Police have charged a young man after a terrifying incident west of Mackay where it is alleged he and another person attacked and injured an older woman in a botched robbery.

Police allege just before 8am on Monday, November 17 the two men went into an Oxford Downs Sarina Rd home and confronted a 70-year-old woman, attempting to remove items from the property.

It is further alleged the woman was restrained and assaulted before the men left the scene without any items.

She suffered serious chest injuries and was flown to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, Oxford Downs Sarina Rd was blocked for a time.

Moranbah detectives launched a manhunt for the two alleged offenders, ending with the arrest of a 22-year-old man five days later on November 22.

He has been charged with two counts each of assaults occasioning bodily harm in company, deprivation of liberty and common assault.

He is facing further charges of burglary with intent uses/threatens violence in company, attempted robbery – use/threaten violence in company, unlawful use of motor vehicles and wilful damage.

He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Moranbah Magistrates Court in January.

Police are still looking for a second man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries and investigations are ongoing.

Originally published as Moranbah detectives charge man with deprivation of liberty after home invasion