Good afternoon, these are the latest ECHO headlines.
Thomas Cashman pleads not guilty to murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Thomas Cashman today pleaded not guilty to murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The 34-year-old - of Grenadier Drive in West Derby - appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Wednesday, via video link from HMP Manchester. Wearing a light-coloured polo shirt and with a beard and short dark brown hair, he spoke to confirm his name before denying the five counts he faces.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder suspect's trial to be moved out of Liverpool
As well as entering a not guilty plea to the schoolgirl's murder, Cashman denied attempting to murder Joseph Nee and wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel. He similarly 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.
A trial date is scheduled for March 6 next year
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Latest updates as paramedics and ambulance staff strike on Merseyside
Today paramedics and ambulance staff from North West Ambulance Service stand alongside NHS nurses, healthcare assistants and admin workers as they join the picket line.
The strike follows an historical past week of walk-outs. Today, December 21, ambulance staff joined the picket line for the first time as workers fight for improved wages and healthier working conditions.
The North West Ambulance Service is one of nine ambulance trusts which will see staff walk out today. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham announced this morning that the union was prepared to meet the Government for negotiations ''any time, any place, anywhere.''.
Health secretary Steve Barclay told staff to ''look forward'' to next year's pay process.
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A suspect has been named following Concert Square attack which saw man's jaw shattered
Police have named a suspect in connection to a Concert Square attack which happened earlier this year.
The incident happened on February 26, in a bustling area of the city centre. When police arrived they discovered a man, in his 20's had sustained serious facial injuries following an attack. The victim was taken to hospital where it was confirmed he had a broken jaw and chin.
Officers have charged 38-year-old Jamie Davies with assault. The man, from Broxton Road in Wrexham, is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday, January 13, next year.
Read the full story here
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Thomas Cashman pleads not guilty to murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel
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Paramedics and ambulance staff strike in Liverpool latest as workers join picket lines
