I want guns off streets and the violence to stop

OLIVIA'S MUM ON HER PLANS FOR A FITTING TRIBUTE TO DAUGHTER

- MATTHEW DRESCH

HEARTBROKEN Cheryl Korbel today spells out her vision to curb gang and gun violence and reveals a memorial garden tribute to her murdered daughter Olivia.

Brave Cheryl wants to unite police, charities and the community in a drive to steer youngsters from crime.

The focal point will be the memorial to Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot dead in her own home.

On the day the nine-year-old should have been enjoying an Easter egg hunt at home, Cheryl says she wants to create a safe space for children to play and learn to stop them from "going down the wrong path".

She hopes a patch of land where Liv and pals played blissfully can be a peaceful, safe haven for youngsters.

A fundraising campaign to pay for the memorial is under way.

Speaking for the first time since her daughter's killer was jailed, Cheryl says: "This garden will be in memory of Liv and somewhere for the kids to get together and be safe.

COWARD

"I want the guns to come off the streets and the violence to lessen, if not stop all together.

"We need to get rid of the gangs. Police, communities and charities need to get involved with kids more. We need to give kids opportunities."

In an exclusive interview, Cheryl also says:

• She wants a new law forcing criminals to show up for sentencing after Olivia's killer Thomas Cashman refused to attend court last Monday.
• She brands gun-for-hire and drug dealer Cashman "a coward" - and fears he will still pull strings in the crime world from behind bars.
• Olivia loved TikTok and dreamed of being one of its stars.
• She treasures memories of a Toby Carvery visit with her daughter just hours before the murder.

Cheryl, 46, also shares unseen snaps of happy times with Olivia.