PCC statement after Thomas Cashman found guilty of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel
30.03.23 - Merseyside
Following the news that Thomas Cashman was today (Thursday, 30th March) found guilty of the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Dovecot last year, Merseyside's Police Commissioner has released the following statement.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s family and loved ones have been through in the past seven months.
“There is no justice that can bring Olivia back and the last three weeks of the trial and Cashman’s refusal to admit his crimes must only have compounded their unthinkable suffering.
“Today’s guilty verdict will not bring their unique, chatty, beautiful little girl back and sadly it will not end their heartache, but at least they know he is off the streets and facing a life sentence for his cowardly and despicable actions.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hard-working officers and staff of Merseyside Police for their relentless determination to bring him to justice so swiftly.
“From the moment this horrific incident took place, they have been unwavering in their commitment to ensure he is made to pay for his actions.
“I’d also like to thank the community of Dovecot who have shown courage and empathy and have pulled together at this very dark time for our city.
“There is no place for firearms in our region. Every time one is brandished or used, it brings fear, misery, and anguish.
“This senseless murder devastated our city. Sadly, it showed there is still a contemptible minority, an underbelly of our society, who have no morals and no care for anyone but themselves and their own greed.
“It is vital that we unite to make it clear they will never be welcome in our proud, caring, compassionate region.
“Merseyside Police are recognised across the country for their relentless approach to tackling and disrupting these heartless individuals and the criminal gangs who harbour them. I am committed to supporting that work and ensuring they have the resources they need to bring perpetrators to justice and protect people across Merseyside.
“But we always need the support of our communities. If you have any information about gun crime – where weapons are being housed or who is using them – my heartfelt plea is please, do the right thing and speak out.
“By coming forward with the information you have, you can play a vital role in protecting the lives of innocent people and preventing further tragedies.
“By working together, we can stop those intent on violence and harm and make all our communities stronger and safer.
If you have any information, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, no-one will know that you have made that call.
“If you have been affected by this case and want to speak to someone or access support, you can contact my Victim Care Merseyside service on 0808 175 3080 or visit www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”