The family of Olivia have been praised for their "courage and bravery" in contrast to the "cowardice shown by Thomas Cashman".
Thomas Cashman was today sentenced to life with a minimum of 42 years in prison for the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Following his sentencing, Detective Superintendent Mark Baker, who led the investigation into the murder, spoke outside Manchester Crown Court today (April 3) after the sentencing.
He said: "We welcome today's sentence which reflects the crime committed by Thomas Cashman. He now has a long time to contemplate his actions. In fact, he won't be out for a very long time and will be an old man when he is.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman jailed for life with minimum term of 42 years for Olivia's murder
"We heard earlier from Cheryl, Chloe and John of the devastating impact her death has had on family and friends. today's sentence will never bring Olivia back. I again thank the witness who assisted in bringing justice for Olivia's family. She did the right thing and she should be proud of herself.
"The courage and bravery that Olivia's family have shown is in direct contrast to the cowardice shown by Thomas Cashman. I hope that the sentence of 42 years given to Thomas Cashman today will act as a deterrent to anyone thinking of picking up a gun and putting our communities at risk through their reckless behaviour.
"This has been a challenging, complex and emotional inquiry. I want to thank and praise the commitment, dedication and sheer determination of the investigation team as they pursued the truth. I want to thank our prosecuting barristers, Mr McLoughlin and Mr Riding, and I want to reserve a special thanks for Maria Corr from the Crown Prosecution Service for her professionalism and the confidence that she placed in our inquiry team and the support throughout the investigation. Thank you."
Cashman, 34-year-old, of Grenadier Drive in West Derby, was unanimously found guilty of murdering the nine-year-old schoolgirl by a jury on Thursday last week. She was shot dead in her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot in one of the most horrific crimes in Merseyside's history.
Cashman was due to return to court to be sentenced this afternoon, Monday, but did not appear in the dock to learn his fate. Professor John Cooper KC, defending, said that his client was "concerned that the matter was turning into a circus" and claimed that he had heard representatives of the Crown Prosecution Service "loudly" singing 'We are the Champions' after the verdict was delivered.
Justice Amanda Yip described his actions as "disrespectful to the family of the deceased".
Gasps were heard among Olivia's family as the sentence was passed with one man was heard to say "yes", while her mum Cheryl was seen dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
Sentencing, Justice Amanda Yip said: "The killing of Olivia Pratt-Korbel was an offence that shocked the nation. Olivia’s name is likely to be remembered for many years, but her name should not only be remembered for her terrible last moments.
"Her family have spoken of Olivia in life, and of the hopes and dreams for her future so cruelly snatched away. It is plain that Olivia was a lovely little girl who brightened the lives of her family and friends - they have suffered an unimaginable loss they must carry for the rest of their lives."
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