The defence case in the trial of Thomas Cashman, who is accused of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, will begin this afternoon.
The 34-year-old, of Grenadier Drive in West Derby, is currently standing trial accused of murdering the schoolgirl, who was shot dead in her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot on the evening of August 22 last year. The prosecution's case closed this morning, Tuesday, on the 11th day of the trial.
Justice Yip told the jury: "We’ve reached a very significant point. You’ve heard the end of the prosecution case now, we will move on to the defence case."
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman murder trial resumes as man accused of shooting schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel
The case was adjourned to 2.15pm today (March 21) to allow for Professor John Cooper KC, defending, to have a conference with his client. The ECHO will continue to provide live updates from the courtroom as the trial continues.
Manchester Crown Court heard during the prosecution's opening last week that an armed man had been "relentlessly pursuing" Joseph Nee shortly before 10pm on August 22 2022 after approaching him and a man called Paul Abraham from behind and firing shots at his "target" with a 9mm self-loading pistol. Nee - who had been watching the Liverpool v Manchester United game with friends including Paul Abraham at a house on Finch Lane in Dovecot - was struck in the midriff and fell to the ground, but may have been saved when the gun appeared to "malfunction" as the gunman stood over him.
He was then able to scramble to his feet and ran towards the Korbel family home on Kingsheath Avenue, where he barged through the partially open front door. The assailant however, had a second firearm - a revolver - and continued to give chase, firing a further two shots with this weapon.
One of these shots passed through the door, struck Olivia's mum Cheryl Korbel in the hand then fatally hit the youngster in the chest. The other bullet became lodged in the doorframe.
Cashman denies murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the attempted murder of Joseph Nee, wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm against Cheryl Korbel and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
The trial continues.
READ NEXT: What the jury heard during week two of Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder trial
Head designer of Footasylum gives evidence to Thomas Cashman murder trial
Thomas Cashman's home had electricity disconnected and CCTV recorder 'missing' after Olivia shot
Joseph Nee suffered 'life threatening injuries' in shooting on night Olivia was killed
Olivia gunman's weapon may have malfunctioned in Joseph Nee 'struggle', court hears
