The mother of murdered Olivia Paratt-Korbel, who was fatally shot in her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, has demanded the Government force the accused to turn up to sentencing hearings
Olivia Pratt-Korbel ‘s mum has called on the government to “act now” – so criminals like her daughter’s killer can no longer refuse to turn up for their sentencing hearings.
The nine-year-old was shot dead in her own home when Thomas Cashman, 34, chased a rival gang member through the streets of Dovecot, Liverpool. But when coward Cashman refused to turn up to court to hear his 42 year jail term passed in April, Cheryl felt compelled to make a change.
A petition calling for a new law forcing convicted criminals to show up at their sentence hearing has reached over 30,000 signatures. But after Rishi Sunak refused to commit to changing the law before the next general election in 2024, Cheryl, 48, accused the government of dragging their feet.
She said: “I would say it’s a no brainer. There are laws that have been changed around much less important things – but when it comes to something as important as this they are dragging their heels on it. It doesn’t make sense to me.