Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder suspect Thomas Cashman has appeared in court this morning.
The 34-year-old is alleged to have killed the youngster, who was shot dead after convicted burglar Joseph Nee was chased by a gunman into her home in Didcot, Liverpool, on August 22. As reported by the Mirror, Cashman is also charged with the attempted murder of both Nee, 35, and Olivia's 46-year-old mother Cheryl Korbel - who was injured during the incident.
Olivia, nine, lay dying in her mum's arms while Nee allegedly suffered multiple gun shot wounds and was taken to hospital by friends. Nee has been sent back to prison after he had been freed on licence last year.
Cheryl was allegedly shot through the hand, with the same bullet then passing into Olivia's chest.
She and Olivia's dad John Francis watched the proceedings at court today after being escorted in by police.
The defendant, of the city's West Derby area, is further charged with two counts of possessing a firearm to endanger life.
He appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court alongside a second defendant, Paul Russell, 40, also of West Derby, who faces a single count of assisting an offender.
Russell is accused of driving for Cashman.
Cashman was arrested on Thursday (September 29). Russell was arrested on Friday (September 30).
Prior to the hearing, police motorcycles blocked the road to other traffic as a huge armed motorcade carried Cashman to court.
Russell appeared first and was escorted into the dock wearing a black Under Armour t-shirt, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He spoke only to confirm his name and address.
He was represented by John Rowan who informed the court there will be no application for bail.
Russell was not asked to enter a plea as the case can only be heard in the crown court.
He will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 31.
Once he was taken back to the cells, Cashman was brought out.
He was represented by solicitor Thomas Keaney.
He wore a light blue T-shirt and jeans in the dock and spoke to confirm his name and address.
He sat with his head bowed.
He will now be appearing in Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon at 2pm where he will be considered for bail.
There have been 11 arrests over Olivia's death so far, with nine men previously detained as part of the wide-scale investigation, all of whom were later bailed.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, said: "Our work continues in earnest.
"At the beginning of the investigation we were firm in our commitment to finding all of those involved in this case, which includes the people who have tried to shield and protect individuals, and those who have supplied the weapon or are hiding the weapons used in this incident.
"We have had an overwhelming response and support from the public since the tragic murder of Olivia and I would ask for your continued support so we can keep the promise we made to Olivia’s family and the local community to ensure that those involved face justice.
"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
"If you have any CCTV/dashcam/smart doorbell footage that could help our inquiries they can be downloaded on the dedicated public portal for Olivia's murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team. Footage can be submitted here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).
"Finally, our thoughts today are with Olivia’s Mum and Dad, Cheryl and John Francis, and their families, who throughout the last few weeks have shown incredible strength, courage, and dignity."
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