Man, 45, appears in court charged with murdering dad, 73, at family farm in Waterford as previous assault rap withdrawn

A MAN has been charged with the murder of his elderly dad at their family farm near Dungarvan, Co Waterford last April.

John Cashman Jr of Rockfield House, Cappagh, Dungarvan, Co Waterford appeared before Dungarvan District Court today.

John Cashman Sr, 73, pictured above, a highly respected local farmer, was found seriously injured and unresponsive at the farm on April 13 last.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Garda Martin Keohane of Dungarvan Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said the charge was put to Cashman at Dungarvan Garda Station.

He replied “no comment” when the charge of murder was put to him this morning.

The accused is charged with the murder of his father, John Cashman Sr at the family farm in Cappagh, Dungarvan on Monday April 13.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at the 150-acre farm, located about 6km northwest of Dungarvan, shortly after 6pm on the evening in question.

Mr Cashman Jr was previously charged with assault causing harm to his father near the large Georgian family home when he appeared before Carrick-on-Suir court in April.

Today Sergeant Alan Hayes told Judge John O’Leary that the Director of Public Prosecutions. has withdrawn that charge now that there is a murder charge.

Judge O’Leary struck out the assault charge.

There was no application for bail as the District Court does not have the jurisdiction to grant bail on a charge of murder.

The Judge reserved the issue of free legal aid, after Mr Cashman told him he would be speaking to his lawyer about that matter.

Judge O’Leary remanded the accused in custody to appear before Clonmel District Court tomorrow via video-link.

Mr Cashman Jr, who was present in court for this morning’s brief hearing, was dressed in a grey t-shirt and black trousers.

The 45-year-old restores vintage farm machinery and was living in an annexe at the family home where he carried out his business in a nearby yard.

He moved back home from England in 2021.

He addressed the court to say that he was changing his solicitor, and he also made a request to be remanded to Cork Prison.

He said he was currently remanded in Limerick Prison and he asked if Cork was equipped with video link equipment.

He was told the prison had the video link facilities but Judge O’Leary said he did not have any jurisdiction when it comes to what prison a person is sent to and that this is a matter for the Department of Justice.