Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Thomas Cashman to stand trial for murder as court sets start date

A 34-year-old man accused of the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot dead in her own home, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday afternoon.

Thomas Cashman, of Grenadier Drive, West Derby, is alleged to have killed the schoolgirl who was fatally shot in the chest on August 22 this year.

Dark haired and bearded Cashman, who was wearing a light grey t-shirt and jeans and was handcuffed, is also charged with the attempted murders of Olivia’s mum, Cheryl Korbel and Joseph Nee, 35.

Cashman, who was accompanied in the dock by four police officers, also faces two charges of possessing a firearm, namely a Glock and a .38 revolver with intent to endanger life on the same date at Olivia’s home in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot.

He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the 12 minute bail determination hearing.

The courtroom was crowded with members of the media and the girl’s family, including her mum Ms Korbel, who stared over at Cashman, who spent most of the hearing with his head bowed on the dock rail.

He had earlier appeared at the city’s magistrates court and been sent to the crown court.

David McLachlan, KC, prosecuting, outlined the Crown’s objections to bail and his solicitor Thomas Keaney said he was not applying for bail.

Judge Neil Flewitt, KC, refused bail and remanded him in custody until January 10 when he will appear from prison by video link to enter his pleas.

The judge fixed a date for his trial, expected to last four weeks, beginning on March 6. There was a heavy police presence outside the courtroom.

Paul Russell, 40, from Snowberry Road, West Derby, who faces a charge of assisting an offender, Thomas Cashman, also appeared at the magistrates court earlier today.

The charge alleges that on August 22 he drove Cashman to an address and disposed of his clothing with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Cashman knowing or believing he was guilty of murder or some other offence carrying a term of of at least five years.

Russell, who was wearing a black t-shirt and black trousers, was also accompanied in the dock by four police officers. He spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth.

John Rowan, defending Russell, did not apply for bail and he was further remanded in custody until October 31 when he is to appear at the crown court.