Trial date set for Thomas Cashman accused of murdering Liverpool schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel

• Report by Granada Reports Merseyside correspondent Andy Bonner

A 34-year-old man charged with the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel has faced her parents in court for the first time - as his trial date was set for 2023.

Thomas Cashman, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court after being charged with killing the nine-year-old, who was shot dead after convicted burglar Joseph Nee was chased by a gunman into her home in Dovecot, on 22 August.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of Olivia’s mother, 46-year-old Cheryl Korbel, who was injured during the incident, and Nee.

The 34-year-old, of Grenadier Drive, in West Derby, is further charged with two counts of possessing a firearm to endanger life.

Cashman, who was driven to court in a police convoy appeared in handcuffs in the dock surrounded by four police officers during the hearing, which lasted about 10 minutes.

Ms Korbel and Olivia's father, John Francis Pratt, were in court along with police officers and more than 20 members of the media.

He later appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where Judge Neil Flewitt KC set a provisional trial date for 6 March 2023.

A second defendant, Paul Russell, 40, also appeared in court accused of assisting an offender.

Russell's charges allege he "drove Thomas Cashman to an address and also disposed of his clothing" following the shooting.

He will next appear in court on 31 October.

There have been 11 arrests over Olivia’s death so far, with nine men previously detained as part of the wide-scale investigation, all of whom were later bailed.

Classmates of Olivia have been sharing their memories of her and receiving counselling since returning to school after her death, her headteacher said.

Rebecca Wilkinson, headteacher of St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School in Huyton, said the nine-year-old “oozed kindness” and would be remembered for her smile.

“We have had counsellors in every class,” she said.

“(The children) are devastated at the loss of their friend, they truly are, but the counselling has definitely helped and we have been so proud of the resilience the children have shown since they’ve been back.”

Olivia’s funeral was held at St Margaret Mary’s Church in Knotty Ash in September.

Pink ties, jackets, scarves and bows were worn by those attending the service after her family asked people to wear a “splash of pink”.

Ms Korbel carried a pink teddy bear into the service, during which she said: “Liv touched so many people’s hearts and was loved and adored by everyone. She will never be forgotten.

“I will never say goodbye but what I will say is goodnight, love you, see you in the morning.”