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THE family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel arrived at the trial of a man accused of the nine-year-old's murder with cops forming a ring of steel around the courthouse.

The youngster was fatally shot at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, just after 10pm on August 22 last year.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, was fatally shot at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool
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Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, was fatally shot at her home in Dovecot, LiverpoolCredit: PA
The youngster's mum Cheryl Korbel, who was injured in the shooting, arriving for the trial
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The youngster's mum Cheryl Korbel, who was injured in the shooting, arriving for the trialCredit: PA
Armed police outside Manchester Crown Court
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Armed police outside Manchester Crown CourtCredit: PA

Her mum, Cheryl Korbel, 46, was injured in the shooting as the gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into their home.

This morning, she walked into Manchester Crown Court wearing a pink ribbon in memory of her daughter. 

She was joined by other relatives including Olivia's siblings Chloe and Ryan, aunties Antonia and Kim, and dad John Francis Pratt.

Armed police formed a security detail around the courtroom.

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Thomas Cashman denies the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Nee and the wounding with intent of Cheryl.

The 34-year-old, of West Derby, Liverpool, also denies two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

His trial is expected to last four weeks.

Following her death, Olivia's relatives described her as a "unique, chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born".

They said: "Although her life was short, her personality certainly wasn't and she lived it to the most she could, and would blow people away with her wit and kindness."

Olivia's dad John Francis Pratt walks into court
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Olivia's dad John Francis Pratt walks into courtCredit: PA
Cheryl (centre) and other relatives wearing pink ribbons as they arrive at Manchester Crown Court
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Cheryl (centre) and other relatives wearing pink ribbons as they arrive at Manchester Crown CourtCredit: PA
An armed police officer outside the court on March 6
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An armed police officer outside the court on March 6Credit: PA
A van arrives under police escort
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A van arrives under police escortCredit: PA
A van understood to be carrying Thomas Cashman
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A van understood to be carrying Thomas CashmanCredit: CHRIS NEILL
Police officers outside Manchester Crown Court before Cashman arrived
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Police officers outside Manchester Crown Court before Cashman arrivedCredit: PA
Court artist sketch of Cashman last month
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Court artist sketch of Cashman last monthCredit: PA
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