Contemptible

Olivia's cowardly killer in bid to get 42-year murder sentence slashed

- TOM PETTIFOR

THOMAS Cashman's bid to have his sentence cut will come as a major blow to Olivia Pratt-Korbel's family.

Less than three weeks ago the cowardly killer sparked outrage by refusing to face the nine-year-old's relatives in court when he was jailed for a minimum of 42 years.

But the spineless drug dealer clearly believes the little girl's life is worth less than that with his plea to serve a reduced prison term.

A Court of Appeal official said yesterday: "We received an application for leave to appeal the claimant's sentence yesterday." No application has been made in relation to Cashman's conviction for murder.

A single appeal court judge will now decide if the thug should be given the opportunity to appeal. If he is, the case will be heard by three judges sitting at the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

Cashman, 34, shot Olivia dead at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, last August.