Thomas Cashman jailed for life over killing of Olivia Pratt-Korbel

Cashman refused to appear in the court for sentencing

The judge, Mrs Justice Yip, said she had considered a whole life order but decided it was not merited because the planning and premeditation of the shooting was not directed at the child.

Thomas Cashman was sentenced on Monday over the death of the nine-year-old at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, last year. The 34-year-old had been aiming at drug dealer Joseph Nee, 36, who had run into the building moments earlier.

When he shot Olivia, Cashman, also injured her mum, 46-year-old Cheryl Korbel.

He refused to appear in court for the proceedings on Monday, but they proceeded in his absence, with Mrs Justice Yip branding Cashman's behaviour “disrespectful” to not only the court but those interested in proceedings, including the family of the deceased.

Cashman chased Nee into Olivia's home after earlier trying to shoot him as he walked home from a friend’s house on August 22.

As Nee ran towards the open door of the property, Cashman kept firing. A bullet went through the door, mum Cheryl's hand and struck Olivia in the chest.

The killer was last week found guilty of murdering the schoolgirl and the wounding with intent of her mother Cheryl. The jury also found him guilty of the attempted murder of Nee and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

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