Fake Glock wielding man wants family back

A GOLD Coast man who sent Surfers Paradise into lockdown after he was seen with a gel blaster has claimed he just wants his family back.

Daniel Robert Barquin will be released from prison next week after pleading guilty in the Southport District Court on Friday to more than 30 charges, including dangerous conduct with a weapon, driving without a licence and drug possession.

The 38-year-old was spotted in Surfers Paradise about 1pm on May 17, threatening a man with a gel blaster which was a replica of a Glock pistol.

It was believed the weapon was real. Police then locked down the area until they found Barquin hiding in bushes.

Barquin, who appeared in court via videolink, told the court he had fallen back into drugs after kicking the habit.

He described the people he was hanging out with at the time as “the wrong crowd” and “f***wits”. Barquin said he wanted to remain clean.

“I just want my family back … that means a lot to me,” he said. “I need to be there for my girls. My daughter … she is 15 … I am not setting the right example for her.”

Barquin was also frank about the consequences of his drug use.

“If I’m not using drugs, I’m not doing crime,” he said.

Magistrate Dzenita Balic sentenced Barquin to 18 months’ prison with parole release on September 16.

“I do genuinely believe that Mr Barquin is intent on rehabilitating himself,” she said.

“He will be his own worst enemy if he deceives the court in that way.

“He will not only disappoint the court and the community but most importantly his family.”

Barquin’s family were sitting in the back of court and were emotional during the court proceedings.

They began to cry when they realised he would be released next week.