The murderer Thomas Cashman has not appeared in Manchester Crown Court this afternoon after being found guilty of killing Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Cashman, 34, arrived earlier today at the court building surrounded by armed police but it has now been confirmed he won’t be attending and is being sentenced in his absence. 

He was found guilty last week of murdering the nine-year-old and wounding Olivia’s mum Cheryl Korbel with intent.

Cheryl Korbel read a personal statement before the court about Olivia’s tragic death. She said: “I can’t get over the fact that Cashman continued to shoot after hearing the screams.”

“I cannot even think about re-building our lives without Liv.”

Talking about the passing away of Olivia’s nan last night, she said: “I believe she lived long enough to see that coward found guilty”.

John Cooper KC said Cashman had not attended as he was aware that the CPS were singing We are the Champions following the verdict in his trial.

He said: “He has been spoken to and been given certain advice but he is concerned that the matter is turning into a circus.”

Justice Amanda Yip, who presided over Cashman’s trial, is required to set a minimum term that the 34-year-old criminal must serve behind bars before he is eligible for release.

She said she regarded his lack of attendance as “disrespectful” to not only the court but those interested in proceedings, including the family of the deceased.

Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Serena Kennedy said of Cashman: “I would describe him as a coward, despicable. He decided on that night, or in the days beforehand, to play out a petty dispute using guns on the streets of Merseyside and that has had a devastating impact on the lives of Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s family.”

After Cashman was found guilty of murder, his family continued to protest his innocence in the courtroom. Cashman was seen shaking his head, wiping tears from his eyes. 

Next to his family was Cashman’s partner, Kayleeanne Sweeney who had her head in her hands.

His relatives, including his sister, left the courtroom shouting and swearing.

Cashman’s family was also not in court for the sentencing.

Elsewhere in her statement, Cheryl Korbel said: “One thing I miss most is hearing her say ‘mum’, I just miss hearing her voice, it’s just so quiet.

“It’s so very lonely without her, everything is just so quiet, I can’t cope with the silence.”

She added: “This happened in our home where we felt safe and should have felt safe.

“It’s so hard to go back to the area where I grew up and raised all my three children.”

Olivia’s older sister Chloe also read out a statement. Recalling her little sister’s birth five days after her birthday, she said: “It was the best present I ever received.

“I just loved her so much.”

“His actions have left the biggest holes in our lives,” Cheryl said tearfully of Cashman’s actions, recalling how he continued to shoot as Olivia’s cries were heard.

“I cannot even think of rebuilding our lives without her.”

“Now I have to drive to the cemetery to be close to my daughter,” she said. “We love you endless amounts”.

Olivia’s mum was also shot in the wrist by Thomas Cashman, which he’ll be sentenced for today.

“My worst nightmare was being separated from her when she needed me the most. I was the first person to hold my baby and I should have been the last,” she said.

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