Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder trial told target 'had enemies and been shot before'

21 March 2023 , 16:18

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Joseph Nee had been shot at by someone in March 2018 and he had 'enemies', the court heard (Image: PA)

The intended target of the shooting that killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel had been involved in another shooting more than four years before the nine-year-old girl was killed, a court heard today.

Thomas Cashman, 34, is accused of murdering nine-year-old Olivia and injuring her mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46, after chasing Joseph Nee into their home in Dovecot, Liverpool, last August 22.

During the murder trial at Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor David McLachlan KC said Mr Nee had 'enemies' and had been previously shot at by someone in March 2018.

The prosecution did not suggest Cashman was responsible for or involved in that previous incident.

Mr McLachlan told the court: "As of August 22, 2022, Joseph Nee and members of his immediate family had their enemies."

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Thomas Cashman denies the murder of Olivia (Liverpool Echo)

The jury of 10 men and two women was also told Nee had convictions for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, possession of controlled drugs, burglary and theft, aggravated vehicle taking, theft of or from vehicles, associated motoring offences and a public order offence.

The prosecution closed its case on Tuesday morning and jurors were told the defence case will start in the afternoon.

Cashman, of Grenadier Drive, Liverpool, denies the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Mr Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Olivia's mother, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

When he was arrested, Cashman told police officers: "You're stitching me up."

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed in August 2022 (PA)

Cashman gave evidence this afternoon, and was asked about his relationship with Nee. Of the Nee family, he said: “They’re all my friends. They have been for the past 10 years.”

He added: “We just live in the same area. We got to know each other through living in the same area as each other.”

Defending, Mr Cooper asked if he had any issue with the Nees.

Cashman replied: “No, I never had problems with the Nee family ever. They’ve always been my friends.”

Last week, the jury was played a dramatic video of Cashman's arrest, taken from police body-worn cameras, on September 4.

When he was handcuffed, Cashman told officers: "You stupid c***s, you're stitching me up for, whatever it is. What's it for?

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"What have I done? Go on. I just wanna know what I’ve done, that's all. Tell me what I’m arrested for."

After being pulled into a sitting position, Cashman was told he was being arrested on suspicion of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Olivia mum's Cheryl arriving in court (PA)

He responded: "What are yous on about murder? I haven't committed no offence what yous are talking about. None, none whatsoever.

"I've got nothing on me. Pull me pants down, you'll see - No messing around.

"Yous are f****** mad. I'm not resisting one little bit. I'm calm. It's yous who don't seem too calm."

The trial continues.

Eleanor Barlow