Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s mum arrives at court as cops form ring of steel around Thomas Cashman murder trial

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.

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.

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."