A long-running investigation by the Queensland Police Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad has led to a 49-year-old main being jailed for stock theft.

Ashley Armstrong Thomson from Cunnamulla in south western Queensland pleaded guilty in the Charleville District Court on Tuesday to charges relating to the theft of cattle over an 11-year period.

Stock squad detectives had alleged that between January 19, 2001 and June 12, 2012, Mr Thomson had stolen 227 head of cattle from neighbouring properties.

Detectives used the National Livestock Identification System and DNA technology to trace stolen cattle being sold in saleyards.

Mr Thomson was sentenced to two years and three months in jail, to be suspended after nine months.

He was also fined more than $237,000.

Charleville District Officer Inspector Mick Dowie said the conviction was the result of a complex and thorough investigation which commenced in October 2009 by Detective Sergeant Warren Baker, the Officer in Charge of the Charleville Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad.

“This meticulous investigation relied on DNA evidence to identify allegedly stolen cattle and progeny clearly demonstrates the expertises of local detectives.

“We encourage the community to report livestock theft and warn those engaged in or considering committing such offences.”