Shawnakay Sajanie Ramsay found illegally squatting in a home under construction at Yeppoon

A woman has been caught for a second time illegally squatting in a home in Central Queensland - but this time she picked a different target.

Shawnakay Sajanie Ramsay.

A woman has faced court in Yeppoon after she was busted for a second time illegally squatting in a home at the Capricorn Coast.

Shawnakay Sajanie Ramsay, 23, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on October 13 to unlawfully entering a dwelling and unlawfully destroying property.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said the victim in this matter was building company Stroud Homes.

The court heard that in her latest offence, Ramsay was found squatting in a unit at John Street, Yeppoon.

“These units are newly constructed and not yet finished,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“It is still a construction site.”

The court heard that the unit Ramsay was found squatting in was a vacant two-bedroom townhouse.

Sgt Ongheen said on September 22, about 2.30pm, a builder went to the site after the owner told him about a smashed window.

“The smashed window was seen in the kitchen and the shower could be heard running, upstairs,” Sgt Ongheen said.

The prosecutor said the builder went upstairs and announced himself.

“(Ramsay) came from the shower, telling the (builder) she had permission to be there,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“(The builder) told (Ramsay) to get dressed and leave the premises.”

Sgt Ongheen said the builder saw a sleeping bag and blankets on a bedroom floor in the unit, and Ramsay was charging her phone and playing music.

Sgt Ongheen said Ramsay left the unit and at 3pm police found her at the Community Centre in John Street.

“She was wearing a towel and was still wet,” Sgt Ongheen said.

Ramsay was arrested and taken to the Yeppoon police station.

In relation to the wilful damage charge, Sgt Ongheen said it was alleged that Ramsay found a large piece of timber beside the townhouse and used it to smash the kitchen window.

The prosecution sought $864.42 restitution for damage caused.

It was not the first time Ramsay had been caught illegally squatting in a property at the Capricorn Coast.

In April she faced the Yeppoon court after she was busted inside a vacant house at Emu Park’s Pattinson Street.

Solicitor Krissy Cummins said Ramsay accepted the facts as read by the prosecution.

“She has been homeless since last year - she has no family here,” Ms Cummins said.

Ms Cummins said Ramsay was currently receiving Jobseeker Allowance and she had engaged with an agency in relation to looking for employment.

Ms Cummins said Ramsay indicated that it was her intention to stay in the area.

Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead asked Ramsay to speak with the probation officer who was present in court, but ultimately Ramsay did not consent to being placed on probation.

Mr Muirhead fined her $1000 and ordered she pay $864.42 restitution.

No conviction was recorded.