Thomas Cashman sentenced to 42 years after Olivia Pratt-Korbel killing

Thomas Cashman did not appear in Manchester Crown Court on Monday, April 3, to hear his sentence for the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab is planning to introduce new legislation to force killers to attend their own sentencing. But do you think they should have to go to court to face justice for their crimes? Vote in our poll.

Mr Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, wants to change the law to add time to the sentences for criminals who refuse to attend their own sentencing.

Last week, Cashman was found guilty of murdering Olivia in a brutal attack as he chased convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee into her home in the Dovecot area of Liverpool on August 22 last year. He has been sentenced to 42 years in prison.

Defence barrister John Cooper KC said at the sentencing hearing that the killer would not attend because he was aware that Crown Prosecution Service officials had sung We Are The Champions’ following the verdict. 

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

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The trial judge Mrs Justice Yip said his absence was “disrespectful” to both the court and those interested in proceedings, including Olivia’s family. She emphasised that his sentence was not extended to account for not attending.

A Ministry of Justice source said: “Olivia Pratt-Korbel and her family weren’t able to hide from Thomas Cashman’s crime – so he shouldn’t be able to hide from justice.

“This is exactly why the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to changing the law so that offenders are forced to face the consequences of their actions.”

So what do YOU think? Should killers have to go to court to face justice for their crimes? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

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