The fact that Thomas Cashman was able to avoid coming to court today to hear his sentence for murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel has been described as a "disgrace" amid calls for a change in the law.
Cashman refused to enter the court today to face Olivia's family and hear Justice Amanda Yip hand down his prison sentence of life with a minimum of 42 years.
Just before the sentencing began at Manchester Crown Court today, his defence counsel informed the court that Cashman would not be coming into court. His lawyer told the court he was concerned the matter was 'turning into a circus' and said he wished to be sentenced in his absence.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman jailed for life with minimum term of 42 years for Olivia's murder
This meant he would not hear statements read by members of Olivia's family or the words of Justice Yip.
The non-appearance of the murderer in court today has been branded a 'disgrace' by Labour's shadow justice secretary Steve Reed, who has previously called for new laws to make sure this cannot happen.
He said: "It is disrespectful and grossly offensive to victims that criminals can refuse to face the consequences of their crimes in court. For victims and their families, this can be a vital part of seeing justice done.
“Labour called for new laws on this back in April last year – but the Conservatives have dragged their feet and failed to act."
Sentencing Cashman to a minimum of 42 years in his absence, Justice Yip said: "A young child was shot and killed in her own home.
“Olivia was coming downstairs to seek reassurance. Cheryl Korbel should have been able to give that reassurance and tuck Olivia back into bed. What happened was chilling.
“Shooting into a family home with no regard for who may be court in the crossfire is obviously a very significant aggravating factor.”
She added: "The defendant has not acknowledged his responsibility for Olivia’s death and not shown any remorse."
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Thomas Cashman jailed for life with minimum term of 42 years for Olivia's murder
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Olivia Pratt-Korbel's kind and caring nature shown by selfless act she was planning
