Cashman sentenced to life in prison

Thomas Cashman, who was found guilty of the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel while he was in a “ruthless pursuit” of rival gang member Joseph Nee, has been sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 42 years.

On Thursday, Thomas Cashman, 34, was found guilty of murdering of killing Olivia in her home.

Cashman entered the home at 10pm looking for Joseph Nee on 22 August.  While attempting to kill Nee, who had run into the house to seek refuge, Cashman fatally injured Olivia and also wounded her mom Cheryl.

Cashman was not in court to hear his sentence, which the judge said was “disrespectful.”

Mrs Justice Amanda Yip said drug dealer Cashman was “not of previous good character” and also said that Cashman had “demonstrated no remorse”.

“His failure to come into court is further evidence of that” she went onto say.

Cashman’s lawyer John Cooper said the reason his client didn’t attend was he was worried the sentencing was “turning into a circus.”

Cashman accused the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of singing “We are the Champions” following his conviction.

Olivia’s mom held one of her daughter’s teddy bears as she delivered a victim impact statement.

“I cannot get my head around how Cashman continued to shoot after hearing the terrified screams and utter devastation he had caused,” she said.

“He doesn’t care. His actions have left the biggest hole in our lives.”

She went onto say “It’s so very quiet without her, I just can’t cope with the silence.”

Olivia’s father John Pratt gave his own impact statement saying he was “heartbroken” and had “nightmares about how she died, and the nightmares won’t go away”.

He also had some words for Cashman, “You have denied my beautiful girl Olivia her future… I will never see her on her wedding day and walk her down the aisle… and see her grow into the beautiful woman she was destined to become.

“We have been robbed of her future. Because of you she will be forever nine.”