Thomas Cashman refused to attend his sentencing hearing this afternoon after being found guilty of the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Cashman told his lawyer he was concerned the matter had been turned 'into a circus' after he became aware that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) celebrated his guilty verdict by singing 'We Are The Champions'.
The 34-year-old was found guilty last week of murdering Olivia and wounding her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, as he chased convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee into their home on August 22 last year. The court heard how Cashman shot through the door, skimming Cheryl's wrist and hitting Olivia in the chest.