Albury man was hiding in the front bedroom of house, court hears

James Strauss was arrested on Monday after police received reports of a man jumping fences in Springdale Heights backyards.

He was nabbed about 2pm when two young, crying girls approached officers and began screaming "there is a man in our house".

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Police entered the Beethoven Street home, found Strauss in the front room and promptly arrested the 25-year-old.

Albury Local Court prosecutor Sergeant Nicole Peacock was scathing of Strauss's behaviour in what was a significant public health climate.

Defence lawyer Mitchell Brooks argued that had the incident happened just days earlier it would not have been such a serious matter.

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But Sergeant Peacock disagreed in her submission to magistrate Richard Funston, who later commented "his criminal history is over a hundred pages, sergeant".

She said Strauss could have very easily entered the property of someone who, for example, had been required to remain isolated after undergoing a test for COVID-19.

Sergeant Peacock said the main COVID-19-related charge attracted a maximum six months' jail.

"There is a reason why the government has decided to impose such serious penalties for these matters," she said.

Strauss, of Smollett Street, pleaded guilty to not complying with a noticed direction regarding COVID-19 under the NSW Public Health Act of 2010, along with two entering enclosed lands charges.

Strauss was likely to have his parole revoked on an 18-month jail sentence, the court heard.

Mr Brooks said an "important consideration" on sentence was Strauss's illicit drug addiction.

He had not slept for three days and claimed he had been attacked.

"In his drug-addicted haze he identified the police as the people who had assaulted him," Mr Brooks said.

"He understands his actions and is remorseful for them."

Strauss was fined $500 on each of the two other charges.

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