The parents of Olivia Pratt-Korbel came face-to-face with the man accused of her murder on Monday when he appeared in court charged with shooting dead the nine-year-old inside her home in August.
Cheryl Korbel, 46, who was also injured in the shooting, and John Francis Pratt, 55, sat in the public gallery of Liverpool Magistrates’ Court as Thomas Cashman was led into the dock to face five charges in connection with the incident.
The 34-year-old from the West Derby area of Liverpool kept his head bowed throughout the ten-minute hearing, refusing to look up towards where the grieving couple sat staring intently at him.
Mr Cashman is accused of bursting into Olivia’s home and opening fire on the night of August 22 as he allegedly chased his intended target, Joseph Nee, a convicted burglar.
The schoolgirl was fatally wounded while her mother and Mr Nee were also injured in the attack.
Mr Cashman, who lives with his girlfriend and has a three-year-old son, is accused of murdering Olivia, attempting to murder Cheryl Korbel and Joseph Nee, and two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Wearing a light grey t-shirt and jeans, Mr Cashman was surrounded in the dock by four police officers. He spoke only to give his name, date of birth and address.
Also appearing in court charged in connection with the murder was Paul Russell, 40, who is accused of assisting Mr Cashman by driving him away from the scene and disposing of some of his clothing.
No application for bail was made on his behalf and he was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 31.
Mr Cashman’s case was sent straight to Liverpool Crown Court and a second hearing relating to the case was heard yesterday afternoon.
Olivia’s parents were again present in the public gallery for the brief hearing at which the accused was remanded into custody.
There was no application for bail and a provisional trial date was set for March 6 next year, with Mr Cashman listed to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on January 10.
David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, said the trial was expected to last four weeks and will take place at Liverpool Crown Court.
Olivia’s killing sent shockwaves through the country and saw Merseyside Police launch one of its biggest ever murder investigations.
The little girl’s parents both made emotional appeals for the public’s help to bring the killers to justice and a £20,000 reward was also offered.
Nine people were arrested and bailed as part of the inquiry before detectives announced the first charges in the case on Saturday evening.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, said: “Our work continues in earnest. At the beginning of the investigation, we were firm in our commitment to finding all of those involved in this case, which includes the people who have tried to shield and protect individuals, and those who have supplied the weapon or are hiding the weapons used in this incident.
“We have had an overwhelming response and support from the public since the tragic murder of Olivia and I would ask for your continued support so we can keep the promise we made to Olivia’s family and the local community to ensure that those involved face justice.”
