Darryl Keith Blaney sentenced over drugs, weapons in Mackay court

A gifted sportsman turned troubled dad who was sucked into the world of drugs has landed in court. But despite his long list of firearm and property offences, one thing kept him from serving time.

Darryl Keith Blaney, 44, faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 17, 2023.

Completing three months of intensive drug rehabilitation has kept a dad out of jail after police found a variety of drugs and weapons at a Sarina home.

Police prosecutor Lennon Stathoulis told Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday that Darryl Keith Blaney was found on February 3 with 0.1g of methylamphetamines, 0.1g of marijuana, a shortened firearm, replica firearm gel blasters, a taser torch, numerous stolen mobile phones, debit cards, 99 rounds of ammunition, a laser pointer, and other drug-related items.

The court heard officers also found a volume of liquid that when swallowed would give the effect of GBH or liquid ecstasy.

Blaney refused the officer's request to inspect his personal mobile phone.

Barrister Harvey Walters, instructed by McKay Solicitors, said Blaney was a qualified boilermaker who grew up in Sarina and completed Year 12 at Sarina State High School.

Mr Walters said the 44 year old was a “very gifted young sportsman” across rugby league, touch football and basketball but gave up representative-level sport after a knee injury.

Darryl Keith Blaney, 44, faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 17, 2023.

He said Blaney turned to using methylamphetamines during “relationship troubles” with the mother of his children aged 13 and five.

“His partner … has serious drug problems,” Mr Walters said.

“She’s (since) re-partnered with another man who’s well known within that (drug) scene.”

The court heard the children had been in the care of their grandparents with Blaney, who was well loved by his children”, voluntarily checking himself into a Townsville facility where he completed three months of drug rehabilitation.

Blaney had five years earlier been sentenced for drugs and weapons offences, and in 2021 attempted rehab at a Gold Coast facility but was unsuccessful.

Darryl Keith Blaney, 44, faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 17, 2023.

Mr Walters said the Townsville course had allowed Blaney to regain control and he now hoped to find a stable job.

“He sees (court-ordered) supervision as being ideal in this process so that he can reintegrate into society and not transgress at all,” he said.

“He said to me he’s reached that stage in his life when that if he doesn’t do something about it, he’ll lose his family.”

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said his most serious charge was refusing to show officers his phone which effectively “stymied” their investigation.

She said she must give credit towards Blaney’s rehabilitation efforts as it showed insight and that he was ready to leave his criminal past behind.

Blaney pleaded guilty to 18 charges and was given a head sentence of 14 months’ jail with immediate parole.

Convictions were recorded.