Olivia, 9, shot dead one year ago today - but she will never be forgotten

22 August 2023 , 08:24

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Tributes left to little Olivia Pratt- Korbel at her home in Liverpool (Image: PA)

One year ago today, little Olivia Pratt-Korbel was going to sleep, in her family home in Liverpool, like any other day.

However, that night, a coward would force his way into her house, as he pursued someone else, and open fire, killing the nine-year-old. The act left the city of Liverpool and wider country shocked and angry, and as more details emerged, there was revulsion at those who carry guns on the streets, and those who would protect them.

But there was also a sense of responsibility. Thomas Cashman was eventually caught, charged, and sentenced to life, with a minimum of 42-years in prison after what he did at the home in Dovecot. This only came after a lengthy police appeal which saw the community and key witnesses come forward with details key in the prosecution.

But the anniversary of the youngster's death, one year on, isn't about her killer, who will spend his life rotting in jail, but about Olivia and her family, and the local community rocked by the action. The Liverpool Echo heard from the families who had to explain to their own children what had happened, and who rallied around the local community.

The nine-year-old had been at home when Cashman shot and killed her as he hunted another man (PA)

Tearful Cheryl Korbel, who has since called for a memorial park to honour her daughter (PA)

Cashman, like killer nurse Lucy Letby, refused to attend court to hear his own sentencing, sparking outrage. On the night of August 22, 2022, Cashman “lay in wait” for Joseph Nee, 36, a convicted criminal who was at a pal’s house watching a football game at the time. When he left, Cashman approached from behind and opened fire. Chilling CCTV shows Nee’s pal running for his life as the burglar is struck in the midriff and falls to the floor.

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David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, described how Cashman had "murder on his mind" and stood over the helpless man and attempted to discharge the firearm again as he begged: "Please don't. Don't lad". But the gun malfunctioned, and Nee was able to escape. Cashman however continued his "ruthless pursuit" as he fled towards the Korbel family home.

When Olivia’s mum Cheryl Korbel opened her door after the noise of gunfire, Nee burst into the family home, only to be pursued by Cashman who fired through the door. The bullet passed through the mum’s hand and into the youngster’s chest.

Olivia was described as a 'sassy little princess' (PA)

Thomas Cashman, 34, who has been jailed for a minimum of 42 years (PA)

Across the trial, a number of shocking details and revelations emerged, including how Cheryl begged her daughter to “stay with my baby” after she’d been shot. Speaking outside Manchester Crown Court after the conviction, Cheryl said Olivia "was a character".

She went on: "She was my baby, she had amazing qualities and knew what she wanted in life. Everyone adored her. She was the baby of our family and my little love my shadow. Now everything we do and everywhere we go is a constant reminder that she is not there with us. All that promise for her future is so cruelly taken away.

"But we can now draw a line under seven months of agonising torment we have had to endure at the hands of Cashman. My family and I have already started our life sentence, having to spend the rest of our life without Olivia.

Speaking after the conviction on behalf of Olivia's heartbroken father, Louise Pratt, her aunt, said that Olivia had “died a scared nine-year-old, and we hope [Thomas] Cashman is haunted by this knowledge for the rest of his life". She also said that the family were happy with the outcome, but "will not be celebrating," following the “hardest seven months” of their lives.

Just two months ago, Cheryl celebrated what should have been Olivia’s tenth birthday part. Instead of spending the day watching her beloved daughter open presents, surrounded by loved ones, the mum spent it petitioning for a memorial park to be built in her name.

Speaking to the Mirror about the project, Cheryl said: “Liv will never be forgotten but this garden is about keeping her memory alive. When people see her name we want them to remember our beautiful and sassy, Liv. On her 9th birthday I decorated the living room because she wanted a party. I got balloons and a big light up number 9. Every birthday was a big deal, she always wanted a party, she always loved being the centre of attention."

Fighting back tears, she added: “I’d have probably gone and done the same for her 10th birthday because as much as each birthday was important and she wanted to celebrate, this year she was getting to double digits.” The family will celebrate Liv’s life at a private party, but will also decorate a tree on the patch of land they hope to transform into Olivia’s memorial garden in Dovecot, Liverpool.

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