The Mayor of Liverpool has today said 'justice has been done' after Thomas Cashman was found guilty of the murder of 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The nine-year-old was tragically shot dead at her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot on the evening of August 22 last year. Drug dealer Cashman, of Grenadier Drive in West Derby, was today unanimously convicted of her murder.
After eight hours of deliberations at Manchester Crown Court, the jury today found Cashman guilty of the murder of Olivia as well as the attempted murder of Joseph Nee, of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm against Cheryl Korbel and of two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman wipes away tears as he's found guilty of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Cheryl Korbel was seen in court wearing a pink cardigan and clutching a teddy bear to her chest. There were gasps and tears from Olivia’s family as the verdicts were returned.
Cashman wiped tears from his eyes following the verdicts. His family, including partner Kayleeanne Sweeney, sat in a public gallery behind a glass partition. Ms Sweeney could be seen with her head in her hand while other members of Cashman’s family were in tears. He turned back to his family and shook his head at one point.
Reacting to the news today, Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: “Olivia’s senseless murder shocked the entire city, and her family and friends are foremost in our thoughts today.
“I hope the verdict will bring some comfort to her family, knowing that justice has been done. We are working closely with Merseyside Police and other partners to eradicate violent crime from our communities.”
Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell also reacted to today's verdict. She said: “I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s family and loved ones have been through in the past seven months.
“There is no justice that can bring Olivia back and the last three weeks of the trial and Cashman’s refusal to admit his crimes must only have compounded their unthinkable suffering.
“Today’s guilty verdict will not bring their unique, chatty, beautiful little girl back and sadly it will not end their heartache, but at least they know he is off the streets and facing a life sentence for his cowardly and despicable actions.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hard-working officers and staff of Merseyside Police for their relentless determination to bring him to justice so swiftly.
“From the moment this horrific incident took place, they have been unwavering in their commitment to ensure he is made to pay for his actions.
“I’d also like to thank the community of Dovecot who have shown courage and empathy and have pulled together at this very dark time for our city.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel: the little girl at the heart of heartbreaking murder trial
Thomas Cashman found guilty of murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Thomas Cashman wipes away tears as he's found guilty of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel
