Callen Troy George, Sheona Rose-Anne Clara Garland face court for squatting

A pregnant Sunshine Coast couple have fronted court after their desperate attempt to get a roof over their heads landed them in trouble with the law.

A homeless couple, including a pregnant woman, have been dubbed ‘fancy squatters’ after they were caught living in a house that was not theirs, but had set up an entire living space.

Callen Troy George and Sheona Garland fronted Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 after they were caught trespassing at the Maroochydore property on August 17, 2022.

George pleaded guilty to three charges including contravening a direction or requirement, obstruct police and unlawful entry of a dwelling; while Garland pleaded guilty to unlawfully remaining in a premises.

The court heard police were called to the property after the couple were seen pushing a shopping trolley full of groceries towards the house and entered through the back door.

When police arrived, they found a television, which had been turned on, and the couple in another room.

Callen George and Sheona Garland fronted court for squatting in a Maroochydore home. Photo: Facebook

However, the property was not damaged.

Police prosecutor David Hoffman said George resisted arrest when police attempted to handcuff him by moving his arms.

He then refused to give his real name, Constable Hoffman said.

Duty lawyer Kylie Anderson said George eventually handed police his ID.

Garland, who was self-represented, told the court she and George had stumbled across the property “by luck”, which still had access to power.

They had been living at the property for a few weeks before they were caught.

Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“We’re not having a good run,” she said.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin showed empathy towards the couple for their extreme situation.

“I’m not saying what you did was right; obviously if it’s not your property, you’ve got no right to be there,” he said.

“By the same token, I am well aware of the rental housing shortage on the Sunshine Coast at the moment. There’s virtually no housing available, and if there is ... rents have just gone through the roof.”

The court heard the couple were now temporarily living in emergency housing.

Garland was fined $500 with no conviction recorded, while George was fined $400 with a conviction recorded.

Originally published as Callen Troy George, Sheona Rose-Anne Clara Garland face court for squatting