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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Jonathan Humphries & Adam Everett

Thomas Cashman to face second week of trial over Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder

The trial of Thomas Cashman, who is accused of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, is due to continue for a second week.

The schoolgirl died after being shot in the chest in her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot on the evening of August 22 last year. Cashman, aged 34 and of Grenadier Drive in West Derby, denies any involvement in the shooting.

The second week of the trial is scheduled to begin at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court this morning, Monday. The ECHO will be providing live updates from the courtroom as the case resumes.

READ MORE: Thomas Cashman trial updates as woman describes alleged affair before Olivia Pratt-Korbel shooting

The court heard during the prosecution's opening on Tuesday last week that an armed man had been "relentlessly pursuing" Joseph Nee shortly before 10pm on August 22 last year after approaching him and a man called Paul Abraham from behind and firing shots at his "target" with a 9mm self-loading pistol. Nee - who had been watching the Liverpool v Manchester United game with friends including Mr Abraham at a house on Finch Lane - was struck in the midriff and fell to the ground, but may have been saved when the gun appeared to "malfunction" as the gunman stood over him.

He was then able to scramble to his feet and ran towards the Korbel family home, where he barged through the partially open front door. The assailant however, had a second firearm - a revolver - and continued to give chase, firing a further two shots with this weapon.

One of these passed through the door, struck Olivia's mum Cheryl Korbel in the hand then fatally hit the youngster in the chest. The other bullet became lodged in the doorframe.

Cashman denies murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the attempted murder of 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 trial continues.

READ NEXT: Olivia Pratt-Korbel scooped up in 'blood-stained pyjamas' by police officer

Olivia Pratt-Korbel's brother shares moment he 'knew it was over' after little sister shot

Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mum breaks down as she says 'I couldn't shut the door'

Eyewitnesses heard 'worst screams ever' as dying Olivia Pratt-Korbel carried out of house

Thomas Cashman wipes away tears as he hears Olivia's mum recall shooting

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