Raceview dad Steven Robert Blaine, 42, tasered and restrained in wild suburban cannabis bust

An Ipswich dad has fronted court after he lashed out at police in a “quite extraordinary” suburban cannabis bust which saw him tasered and restrained in his own kitchen.

Raceview dad Steven Robert Blaine leaving Ipswich Courthouse on May 9, 2023.

An Ipswich court has heard how events took a “quite extraordinary” turn after an Ipswich dad woke to find the police on his doorstep during a drug bust.

Raceview arborist Steven Robert Blaine, 42, pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on May 9 to obstructing police, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes that had been used and unlawfully possessing Sildenafil (Viagra).

Police prosecutor Bridie O’Shea told the court police had executed a warrant to search Mr Blaine’s Raceview house about 6.30am on February 11.

She said police forced their way inside after they announced their presence and heard running inside.

Senior Constable O’Shea said police saw a woman running upstairs, who allegedly refused to stop when asked.

They then followed her upstairs, where Mr Blaine appeared from a concealed hallway and “smiled and lunged” at an officer.

Senior Constable O’Shea said Mr Blaine tried to hit the officer “with a sequence of closed fist punches”.

The court heard two officers had to restrain Mr Blaine and when he continued to lash out another officer tasered him.

Senior Constable O’Shea said Mr Blaine was then brought to the ground and handcuffed in his kitchen.

Magistrate Kathleen Payne said it was “quite extraordinary” the scuffle got to that level.

A search of the house revealed a clip seal bag containing 10g of cannabis, a used bong and brass pipe that Mr Blaine had used to smoke cannabis, as well as two Sildenafil (Viagra) tablets in his bedroom.

Mr Blaine, who represented himself in court, said he was asleep when police arrived.

“It was just more of a shock at the time,” Mr Blaine said.

The court heard he was a full time arborist and had two teenage children.

Ms Payne noted Mr Blaine had a history of cannabis use and told him he needed to “step up” as a parent.

“This is an unusual pattern … you’ve got a full-time job and you’ve got mature children to look after.”

“They wouldn’t know,” Mr Blaine replied.

Ms Payne responded: “Kids do, they always do … I can guarantee it.”

Mr Blaine was fined $850 for the offending. No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Raceview dad Steven Robert Blaine, 42, tasered and restrained in wild suburban cannabis bust