Thomas Cashman was escorted into custody in a large police convoy after appearing in court charged with the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The 34-year-old, of Grenadier Drive in West Derby, was charged with the murder of nine-year-old Olivia, the attempted murder of Cheryl Korbel and Joseph Nee, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Cashman first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning, Monday, October 3 after being charged over the weekend.
Cashman gave his name, date of birth and address before his case was referred to Liverpool Crown Court for a 2pm hearing. Cashman, who sat with his head bowed in the crown court hearing, was not asked to enter a plea, but a four-week trial was set for March 6 next year.
READ MORE: Live updates as Thomas Cashman accused of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel appears in court
Judge Neil Flewitt KC remanded him into custody ahead of a further appearance on January 10. Olivia's mum Cheryl and dad John Francis Pratt were present in the public gallery during the brief hearing.
A heavy police presence was in place outside the courts and inside the building. Police lined the street around the courts as officers prepared to remand Cashman into custody. Police motorcyclists stopped traffic along The Strand as three vans and a Matrix vehicle left the courts.
Paul Russell, of Snowberry Road in West Derby, was also brought in front of the magistrates this morning charged with assisting an offender in relation to Olivia's murder. The 40-year-old is accused of driving Cashman to an address and disposing of his clothing. He was remanded into custody to appear in the crown court on October 31.
Olivia, nine, was fatally shot in the chest with a .38 caliber revolver inside her own home on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot at around 10pm on Monday, August 22.
During a police press conference over the weekend, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "Police 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 those involved face justice."
DCS Kameen added: "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."
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 police 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).
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