People in Liverpool have expressed their relief after Thomas Cashman was found guilty of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Cashman, 34, shook his head in the dock and wiped tears from his eyes after he was found unanimously guilty of killing the nine-year-old in her home in Dovecot. Cashman was also found guilty of attempting to murder Joseph Nee, wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm against Cheryl Korbel and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
The guilty verdict came after the jury deliberated for nine hours and three minutes. Manchester Crown Court previously heard during a three-and-a-half-week trial that Cashman "lay in wait" for Nee while armed with two loaded guns as his intended target watched a Liverpool FC v Manchester United football match on the television at his friend Timmy Naylor's house on Finch Lane.
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David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, described how Cashman had "murder on his mind" and stood over the helpless man and attempted to discharge the firearm again as he begged: "Please don't. Don't lad". But the gun malfunctioned, and Nee was able to escape.
Cashman however continued his "ruthless pursuit" as he fled towards the Korbel family home. Forty-six-year-old Cheryl, alarmed by the gunfire outside, had stepped out of her house to investigation but quickly rushed back indoors when she saw Nee running towards her and away from Cashman - who was dressed all in black and had his face covered.
She then tussled with the gunman's intended target in an attempt to keep her front door shut and to keep him out of the property, but was unable to fully close it as it had been left on the latch in order to allow the neighbours to let themselves in for a cup of tea.
The assailant fired another shot with a second, backup weapon - a 0.3 caliber revolver - at this point. This was the shot which claimed Olivia's life, the bullet passing through the door and travelling through the mother's hand before striking her in the chest.
The schoolgirl had been upstairs in bed, but was heard to say "mummy, I'm scared" as she ran to the bottom of the stairs to her mum having been startled by the commotion. With Nee by now inside, Cashman then forced his arm around the door and fired one final shot which became lodged in the doorframe.
Olivia was scooped up by the first police officer to arrive at the scene and rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after being critically injured, but died shortly before 11.30pm. There were emotional scenes in court as Cheryl Korbel recounted the tragedy in a video interview with police, which was played to the jury.
Before Justice Yip asked the foreman of the jury to stand and give their verdict, Olivia's mum, Cheryl, was seen in the public gallery wearing a pink cardigan and holding a teddy bear, sat with her children Chloe and Ryan in the court. 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 hands while other members of the defendant’s family were in tears. He turned back to his family and shook his head at one point.
Following the verdict Justice Yip addressed the court and said: "Clearly that means I will be required to sentence the defendant. I’m not going to do that immediately.
“There is somebody else who will fall to be sentenced, it hasn’t been possible to report until now but Paul Russell has been convicted of assisting an offender."
She said: "We have been extremely fortunate all 12 of you have been diligent throughout the trial.”
She suggests they may wish to "release some of the emotion" they had kept in check during the trial, and recommended seeking support if needed using information provided by the courts."
Following the news of Cashman being found guilty, ECHO readers expressed their relief.
Ena Burgess said: "Justice for Olivia has been done, congratulations to Merseyside Police force and the judge and jurors. So made up for Olivia’s mum and family, and most of all Olivia R.I.P beautiful angel."
Kelly Walsh said: "Fantastic news I'm made up for John, Cheryl and all the family, he got what he deserves taking the life of gorgeous Olivia, no amount of years will be long enough, and her whole family have to try and live without her absolutely heartbreaking."
Jon Hallard said: "What can be done to stop the next generation of wannabe gangsters coming through? Unfortunately there are more unnecessary deaths around the corner because there are groups of young lads that seem desperate to pull a trigger and create a reputation for themselves. We can only do our best at home I suppose. Rest in peace Olivia."
Rebekah Wilson said: "Thank goodness for that. Won’t bring that beautiful little girl back but he will get what he deserves behind bars."
Gaynor Taaffe said: "Brilliant news well done to the jury . Very hard case to sit and listen to what happened that night. Justice for Olivia and thoughts for her mum and family. Hope he doesn't see day light again."
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