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.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman sentencing live updates as Olivia Pratt-Korbel murderer to be jailed
Defence barrister John Cooper KC told the court Cashman had refused to attend today's hearing because he was aware that CPS officials had sung “We Are The Champions” following the verdict in his trial. Mr Cooper told the court that when the incident was raised with the officials, they claimed they were "entitled to".
Mr Cooper told the judge: “He has been spoken to and been given certain advice but he is concerned that the matter is turning into a circus.”
Mrs Justice Yip said she regarded his lack of attendance as “disrespectful” to not only the court but those interested in proceedings, including the family of the deceased. She told the court that Cashman would be sentenced in his absence.
Ahead of the sentencing, Olivia's mum read an emotional statement to the court, taking a teddy which was made from Olivia’s pyjamas into the witness box with her. She said the nine-year-old had been due to have her hair cut five days after her death and wanted to donate 12 inches of hair to the Princess Trust “for sick kids to have beautiful wigs”.
She described her daughter as a “girly girl” who “had her own style”. Cheryl said her daughter spent most of her time with her and was nicknamed her "shadow". She said: “One thing I miss the most is hearing her say ‘mum’. I just miss hearing her voice. It’s just so quiet. I would do and give anything in the world to hear her chatting to me.”
Cashman was jailed for life.
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