Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s killer Thomas Cashman will NOT spend longer in jail as appeal to increase sentence is refused
A MONSTER who gunned down and killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel will not have his jail sentence increased.
Thomas Cashman, 34, was jailed for a minimum of 42 years for murdering the nine-year-old at her family home in Liverpool.
The Solicitor General today confirmed his sentence will not be upped despite receiving a number of requests under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Michael Tomlinson KC said: “Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s senseless murder at the hands of Thomas Cashman shocked and sickened the nation.
“My duty as a Law Officer in considering whether sentences may be unduly lenient is to act independently of government, even when it is not easy or popular.
“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.”
Mr Tomlinson said a referral can only be made if the “rigorous legal test” is met, not because of the “emotions the offending may evoke”.
He added: “The test is only met if the sentencing judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range reasonably available in the circumstances of the offending.
“My thoughts remain with Olivia’s family and friends who have shown such immeasurable strength during this devastating time.”
The horror unfolded on August 22 last year in a “pre-planned and ruthless attack” that “went horribly wrong”.
Olivia had been stood behind her mum Cheryl Korbel when Cashman blindly fired through the front door in a botched gang hit.
His bullet missed intended hit Joseph Nee and instead passed through Cheryl‘s hand into the middle of Olivia’s chest.
Tragically, Olivia couldn’t be saved and died in hospital later that night.
Cashman, who refused to attend his sentencing hearing, has now launched his own appeal against his jail term.
The killer’s lawyers have argued his 42-year minimum sentence is too harsh.