Cheryl Korbel, the mother of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel who was murdered by Thomas Cashman in August 2022, is due to meet with the UK prime minister on Tuesday to discuss plans for a new law named after her daughter. The law aims to ensure that offenders appear in court for their sentencing. Cashman fatally shot Olivia when he chased a fellow drug dealer into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool. Cashman was jailed for life in April 2023 but refused to attend court.
Ms. Korbel and Anneliese Midgley, the MP for Knowsley, will meet with the UK prime minister at 10 Downing Street to discuss ‘Olivia’s Law’ which seeks reforms to prevent convicted criminals from avoiding court appearances. During her testimony, Ms. Korbel stated that she believed Cashman did not attend his sentencing because “he’s a coward”. She added that she had wanted her daughter’s killer to hear her impact statement “to understand the pain he’s caused”.
The UK government plans to introduce a law ensuring offenders appear in court. Ms. Midgley has stated that Tuesday’s meeting is a significant step forward in delivering on the government’s promise. The campaign and law seek to ensure that no family has to suffer the pain of seeing justice diminished because an offender refuses to appear in court, according to the Labour MP. While nothing can undo the loss of Olivia, the law would ensure dignity and justice for victims and their families.
Olivia’s Law campaign is focused on addressing a vital gap in the UK justice system. The law would provide an opportunity to ensure offenders appear in court and face the full consequences of their actions. Tuesday’s meeting with the prime minister is hoped to herald the start of significant change, although Ms. Korbel and others will await the formal introduction of the law with bated breath
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