Bundoran driver with cannabis in system with child in front seat

A Bundoran man accused of driving with cannabis in his system, whilst his young son was not secured properly in a car seat, has seen his case adjourned until October 16.

Glen Murrin, 30, of 15 Tir Chonaill Apartments, Bundoran, was ordered by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at Ballyshannon District Court, held at Ballyshannon Courthouse, to undertake a Prosocial Driving Course, and to contribute €50 to it before returning to Ballyshannon District Court in October.

Murrin appeared at court on a charge that on July 7, 2025, at the N15, Wardhouse, Tullaghan, Leitrim, he did drive a vehicle while there was present in his body, cannabis, 50.2ng/ml, within three hours after so driving, the concentration of the said drug in his blood was greater than the concentration specified in respect of the said drug, contrary to Section 4 (1A) of the Road Traffic Act 2010 as inserted by Section 8(a) of the Road Traffic Act 2016, and Contrary to Section 4(5) of the Road Traffic Act 2010).

There was an alleged 50.2ng/ml of cannabis in the defendant’s blood system at the time of the offence, ten times over the limit of 5ng/ml.

The court heard that Murrin had been previously disqualified from driving for a previous offence.

Sergeant Garda Oliver Devaney told the court that the defendant was driving towards Bundoran when Gardaí observed a small child in the front passenger seat not secured with a seatbelt.

“He was asked who was in the car and why they were not securely secured,” said Sgt Gda Devaney. “There was a smell of cannabis, and his eyes were bloodshot.”

Judge Cunningham replied: “Whilst I accept you have only one summons, the circumstances are very serious. Is there a referral to TUSLA?

“I am sure An Garda Síochána have an obligation.

“It is a very serious matter to have a two-year-old in the front seat without a car seat. I am most concerned.

“Very concerning circumstances. Not only was he putting himself and other road users at risk, but he was actually putting a young child relying on his father to protect him.”

The defendant’s solicitor, Gerry McGovern, said: “He is a young man who comes from a generation that feels that they don’t drink. He is not a heavy drinker. He is a good family man.”

Judge Cunningham intervened: “I would question that.”

Mr McGovern continued: “I have seen the young children in the office, and they seem to be very well-cared for, and he leads a quiet life. In the early days, he was maybe headstrong and did foolish things.

“Sometimes you have a client who would come and talk with you, and sometimes, they would never show up. That was never the situation with these people. They live in Donegal, away from any temptation, where they grew up. He came to Donegal to have a life with his family.

“A lot of young people have a belief that smoking cannabis is no harm to them. I don’t agree with it.”

Mr McGovern then told the court that there should be more education “about the drug and driving,” before commenting: “I have to point out to them that they are committing offences. He feels that he is not a drinker. I hope that by being here today, he has learned his lesson.”

In adjourning the case until October 16, Judge Cunningham said she could only deal with what was in front of her.