A couple who helped police catch Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer are hoping to rekindle their relationship after shocking revelations about a love triangle between them and the gunman.
The case against Thomas Cashman, 34, was held together by the testimony of a key witness who revealed they had been having an affair which ended just weeks before he shot nine-year-old Olivia.
The woman, who cannot be named, came clean to partner Paul Russell about her infidelity when Cashman turned up at their house in Dovecot, Liverpool after the shooting in August.
Cashman had demanded a change of clothes before calling Russell, 41, to give him a lift out of the area and help him dispose of the clothes he wore during the murder.
But when the woman realised what Cashman had done after seeing news coverage of Olivia's death the following day, she felt compelled to tell police.
In turn, Russell pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and secretly met with police in a retail park to give them Cashman's name.
On Wednesday, Russell, of Snowberry Drive, was handed a 22 month sentence for helping Cashman, but could be out in six months with good behaviour based on the amount of time already spent on remand.
The court heard that Russell has been given a new identity and his family have been moved out of Merseyside after he received death threats.
Defending, Tom Schofield said Russell had not been able to see his children or parents during his remand period.
However, referring to his partner, he told the court: "Despite the revelations at trial they have decided to make a go of their relationship, and that will be their intention on his release.”
Justice Amanda Yip also referenced the relationship, telling Russell: "While in custody, you learned of the sexual relationship between Thomas Cashman and your partner.
"That news had to be broken through police officers. It was news that attracted huge national publicity during Mr Cashman’s trial. I am told that you intend to make a go of your relationship on your release."
During a four week trial at Manchester crown court in March, the jury heard evidence from the key witness, who told the court she woke up on the night of Olivia's murder to see "Tommy standing in my room".
She told the court they had slept together a number of times and that Cashman told her he "didn't know where else to go".
The woman gave Cashman a new pair of tracksuit bottoms belonging to her partner, Russell, which were later found stashed in Cashman's sister's house.
She called her partner, Paul Russell and overheard Cashman telling him "I've just done Joey".
Cashman was found unanimously guilty of murdering Olivia and the attempted murder of Joseph Nee, 36, a rival drug dealer.
He was also found guilty of wounding Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, and two possessions of a firearm.
