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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Abigail Nicholson

Moving message on Olivia bear Cheryl Korbel clung on to in Cashman trial

The poignant pink bear Cheryl Korbel clung onto during the Thomas Cashman murder trial has a moving message stitched onto it.

Thomas Cashman, 34, formerly of Grenadier Drive, West Derby, was found guilty by a jury of Olivia’s murder on Thursday, March 30. The drug dealer was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Joseph Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Cheryl, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Before Justice Yip asked the foreman of the jury to stand and give their verdict, Olivia's mum, Cheryl, was seen in the public gallery wearing a pink cardigan and holding a teddy bear, sat with her children Chloe and Ryan in the court. There were gasps and tears from Olivia’s family as the verdicts were returned.

READ MORE: Child killer, hitman, drug dealer - How the dark truth about Thomas Cashman was exposed

Cashman wiped tears from his eyes following the verdicts. His family, including partner Kayleeanne Sweeney, sat in a public gallery behind a glass partition. Ms Sweeney could be seen with her head in her hands while other members of the defendant’s family were in tears. He turned back to his family and shook his head at one point.

A member of Cashman's family was heard saying “they’re not getting away with it” as she left the courtroom. Olivia’s family laughed at this, with one replying: “He’s a killer, what are yous talking about?”

After the hearing Cheryl Korbel Manchester Crown Court with her family and was pictured cheering and held the pink teddy up in the air. She told the BBC she was "ecstatic" following Cashman's guilty verdict and was seen tearfully hugging members of the investigation team who were present in court.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was fatally shot at her home in Dovecot (Family handout/PA Wire)

The teddy has two touching message sewn into it. One reads "my Liv" on the foot and a second message is on the body.

The message "goodnight, I love you, see you in the morning. Mwah xx" which is inside a white heart, is a quote said by Cheryl Korbel at Olivia's funeral.

Concluding the eulogy, at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Knotty Ash, Cheryl said: "Liv touched so many people's hearts and was loved and adored by everyone. She will never be forgotten. I will never say goodbye but what I will say is goodnight, love you, see you in the morning."

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