Olivia Pratt-Korbel murderer Thomas Cashman loses conviction appeal

Thomas Cashman, the murderer of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, has lost his appeal against his conviction. Cashman was convicted for the murder of the nine-year-old girl as he chased a drug dealer. The tragic incident occurred in August 2022 in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, where Cashman fired a fatal shot that hit Olivia as the drug dealer attempted to seek shelter in her home.

In April 2023, Cashman was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 42 years. Last November, his appeal to challenge the sentence was rejected by the Court of Appeal. His recent attempt to appeal the conviction was also dismissed at a hearing in the Court of Appeal. During the hearing, concerns were raised regarding the presentation of new evidence to jurors while they were deliberating, as well as claims that police provided panic alarms to the jurors during the trial.

Olivia’s mother, Cheryl, expressed that no amount of time behind bars would ever be enough for the gang leader who employed Cashman to commit the murder. Vincent Coggins, the gang kingpin, evaded capture for 30 years before being sentenced to 28 years imprisonment earlier in May. Cheryl has been vocal about the need to end the culture of silence surrounding gang violence in Merseyside and has supported initiatives to encourage the community to share information with the police anonymously.

Cashman’s conviction stands, and the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that he remains guilty as charged. The Huyton Firm, led by Vincent Coggins, was involved in drug trafficking and orchestrated violent attacks on rivals, including the tragic incident that took Olivia’s life. Cheryl believes that earlier intervention could have prevented the escalation of violence in the region. Despite the sentencing of several individuals involved in the criminal activities of the Huyton Firm, Francis Coggins, Vincent’s brother, remains at large.

Olivia would have celebrated her 11th birthday this June, and her untimely death has prompted calls for action to address gang-related violence in Liverpool. Cheryl’s advocacy for ending the “code of silence” and her support for initiatives like the Crimestoppers Zone demonstrate her commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

In conclusion, the rejection of Thomas Cashman’s appeal highlights the importance of holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable and seeking justice for victims like Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Cheryl’s resilience in the face of tragedy and her tireless efforts to advocate for safer communities serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of gang violence on families and communities. Initiatives that encourage cooperation with law enforcement and foster a culture of transparency are crucial steps towards preventing further loss and creating a safer environment for all.