Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer loses first step in appeal against 42-year minimum sentence
Thomas Cashman, 34, who was jailed for life for shooting nine-year-old Olivia dead in her home in Liverpool last year, was told by a judge, without a hearing, he would not be allowed to challenge his jail term.
Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:31, UK
Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer has lost the first step of a bid to appeal against his prison sentence.
Thomas Cashman, 34, was jailed for life in April for shooting nine-year-old Olivia dead in her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, in August last year.
Cashman was chasing convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee, who tried to run into the girl's home in a bid to escape.
As Olivia's mother Cheryl Korbel tried to keep their door shut on Nee, a shot fired by Cashman hit her wrist with the same bullet that then killed her daughter.
Cashman's application for permission to challenge his 42-year minimum term was rejected by a judge without a hearing, Court of Appeal staff confirmed.
The father-of-two is still able to renew his bid for permission to appeal at a full court hearing.
Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC said in May that Cashman would not have his jail term increased.
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It came after several requests were made for Cashman's prison time to be lengthened via the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
Mr Tomlinson said that Olivia's "senseless murder" had "shocked and sickened the nation", but added that "having received detailed legal advice and considered the issues raised very carefully, I have concluded Cashman's case cannot properly be referred to the Court of Appeal".