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Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Man accused of Liverpool murder tells court he was smoking cannabis with a friend at the time of her shooting | UK News


The man accused of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel testified in court that he was smoking marijuana and counting money at a friend’s house at the time she was shot.

Thomas Cashman, who denies killing a nine-year-old in Liverpool last August, also told the jury: “I’m the father, I’m not the killer.”

34-year-old man charged with murder Oliviawho was fatally shot when a gunman opened fire while chasing convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee into the home of her and her mother.

Her mother, Cheryl Korbel, was also injured. Cashman denied being the gunman.

Thomas Cashman Social Image
Image:
Thomas Cashman. social image

Cashman, who has admitted to being a “senior marijuana dealer,” told jurors Wednesday that he was with a friend, Craig Byrne, the night Olivia was killed.

He told the court he went to Mr Byrne’s home, where together they counted about £10,000 in cash in his empty room.

Cashman added: “We counted the money, then went downstairs. I made a brace myself in the kitchen, went out to the back garden and just chatted with Craig.”

He said that later when he went into the front garden he could hear sirens and was told by someone that there were “police everywhere”.

Cashman, giving evidence on Monday, denied any involvement in the shooting.

When asked by defense attorney John Cooper KC if he had committed any crime that he was accused of, the father-of-two said: “No, I didn’t. I’m being blamed for something that doesn’t work. I didn’t.

Cheryl Korbel, mother of 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, arrives at Manchester Crown Court for the trial of Thomas Cashman, accused of the murder of her daughter, who was shot at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22 Photo taken: Monday, March 6, 2023.
Image:
Cheryl Korbel

“I was accused of murdering a child and I have a child of my own. I am a father, I am not a murderer.”

Earlier in the trial, the jury heard from a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was romantically involved with Cashman.

She said he went to her house after the shooting, where he changed his clothes and she heard him say he was “done Joey”.

When asked if at any point he confessed, Cashman said: “No, I’m not, she’s trying to ruin my life.”

Prosecutors allege Cashman walked and rode in his truck around the area before planning to find Nee and perform a “smash.”

However, Cashman said his actions were related to his drug trade.

Mr Cooper said: “Is it suggested that the purpose of your action is not for the reason you say it, but for the sake of taking a shot or planning a hit?”

Cashman replied, “No, that’s not true at all. What you see here is typical of a local guy selling marijuana in the area.”

Cashman denies murdering Olivia, conspiracy to kill Nee, wounding with intent to severely injure Olivia’s mother and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The trial will continue on Thursday.

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