Osman Cowburn in court for squatting at Gladstone home

A squatter who proved an ongoing headache for a Central Queensland homeowner has been brought to justice.

Osman Jan Cowburn was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court after police found him repeatedly squatting at an Off Street property. Generic image.

A man caught repeatedly squatting at a Central Queensland home, has been brought to justice.

Osman Jan Cowburn, 55, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Monday to four counts of trespass, one count of failing to properly dispose of a needle, and two counts of breaching bail.

The court heard that Cowburn had been squatting at an unoccupied home on Off Street, Gladstone Central, and police had caught him at the residence four times in January and February.

Police prosecutor Corey O’Connor said the first time police found Cowburn at the home was on January 25, and he was inside, pretending to be asleep on a mattress.

Cowburn was arrested but just 10 hours later, police again caught him at the property, asleep in a bedroom, the court heard.

Gladstone Police Complex.

Mr O’Connor said while police were at the home, they found two syringes - one on a bed and another on a chair - and Cowburn said they were his and he had used them to inject methamphetamine.

Despite having bail conditions that prevented him from attending the Off Street property, Cowburn was caught back there twice in February, the court heard.

Cowburn told police he was staying there because he was homeless but the court heard he never had permission from the owner to be there.

Cowburn had a one-page criminal history.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Cowburn now had permanent accommodation and his offending had stopped.

Ms Wieland said Cowburn was receiving a disability support pension and she submitted a fine would be appropriate.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Cowburn $650 and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Osman Cowburn in court for squatting at Gladstone home