LIVERPOOL MAN JAILED FOR LIFE OVER A 9 YEAR OLD GIRLS MURDER
Thomas Cashman has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years for the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel.The 34-year-old, residing on Grenadier Drive in West Derby, was found guilty by a jury last week of the murder, which is considered one of the most horrific crimes in Merseyside's history.
Olivia, a nine-year-old girl, was shot dead in her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot.
The court heard that Cashman was armed with two loaded guns and lay in wait for his intended target, Joseph Nee, while watching a Liverpool FC match.
The shooting was described as a targeted, planned execution, with Cashman pursuing Nee even as he tried to escape, shooting multiple times, with the fatal shot passing through the door and striking Olivia as she ran to her mother.
Prosecutor David McLachlan KC stated that Cashman 'had murder on his mind' and attempted to discharge his firearm again as Nee begged for his life.
Cashman refused to appear in court for his sentencing, claiming the matter was turning into a 'circus', and his defense argued that he had no intention to kill Olivia.
Justice Amanda Yip condemned his actions, emphasizing the shock and grief caused by the crime, and described Olivia as a lovely girl whose dreams were cruelly taken away.
The court also linked Cashman to other crimes, including attempting to murder Joseph Nee, wounding Cheryl Korbel, and firearm possession.
Evidence showed Cashman was involved in other criminal activities, including drug dealing, and CCTV footage placed him near the scene at the time of the shooting.
Cashman maintained his innocence, claiming he was at home counting cash and smoking a spliff, and accused a woman of trying to frame him.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 42 years, and noted his lack of remorse and failure to show responsibility for Olivia’s death.
