Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder trial updates as man accused of killing nine-year-old

A trial is continuing today into the murder trial of Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Thomas Cashman has been charged with the murder of Olivia, who was shot dead in her own home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot, Liverpool, at around 10pm last August 22. .

Mr Cashman denies the charge, along with charges of attempted murder of a man called Joseph Nee and wounding Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The defendant has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Those charges concern a 9mm calibre self-loading pistol and a 0.3 calibre revolver.

READ MORE: CCTV footage of topless man released after early-hours attack outside bar

On Monday, trial judge Mrs Justice Amanda Yip introduced the case to the jury panel, Liverpool Echo reports. She told them in court: "The trial concerns a shooting in Liverpool in August of last year which involved the death of a nine-year-old girl called Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

“The defendant is Thomas Cashman. He is charged with murdering Olivia.... In simple terms, he says it wasn’t him."

A jury of 10 men and two women was selected at Manchester Crown Court. Follow live updates from today's hearing below.

READ NEXT:

Good morning from Manchester Crown Court.

Court reporter Adam Everett is in position in courtroom one now, and Crime Reporter Jonathan Humphries is in the media annexe in the building where the case is being livestreamed. The trial listed to begin for the day from 10am.

Below are the lawyers involved in the case:

David McLachlan, KC, appears for the prosecution, assisted by Henry Riding and Peter Wilson.

Cashman is represented by Professor John Cooper, KC, with Katy Appleton as his junior.

Justice Amanda Yip