Thomas Cashman became tearful as he told a court he is "being blamed for something I haven’t done".
Cashman, 34, is giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court where he is standing trial over Olivia Pratt-Korbel's death on August 22 last year. The nine-year-old died after a bullet passed through the front door of her family home on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, before hitting her mum, Cheryl Korbel, in the wrist and then striking her in the chest.
The gunman had been chasing 36-year-old Joseph Nee on the street outside, who despite being shot twice managed to run and barged into the Korbel house while fleeing for his life. Cashman denies any involvement in Olivia's death or shooting Nee.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman murder trial resumes as man accused of shooting Olivia Pratt-Korbel gives evidence
Today, his barrister John Cooper, KC, reminded Cashman of the crimes he is accused of. Mr Cooper then asked his client: "Did you commit any of these offences?"
Cashman appeared to become tearful as he said: “No, I’m getting blamed for something I haven’t done.” After taking a deep breath, he continued: "I’m getting blamed for killing a child.
"I’ve got my own children. I’m not a killer, I’m a dad. I’m getting blamed for something I haven’t done."
As well as denying Olivia's murder, Cashman denies the attempted murder of Nee, as well as wounding Cheryl Korbel with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. He also pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, namely a 9mm calibre self-loading pistol and a 0.3 calibre revolver.
The trial continues.
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