Thomas Cashman, pictured right in a court stretch, has denied killing Olivia (Picture: PA)

Thomas Cashman, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

Cashman, of Grenadier Drive, West Derby, appeared via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court today.

Olivia was fatally shot by a gunman who chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into her home in Dovecot on August 22.

In court today, Cashman entered not guilty pleas to Olivia’s murder, the attempted murder of Nee and the wounding with intent of Olivia’s mother Cheryl Korbel.

He also denied two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Ms Korbel was in court today along with other family members, some of whom shook their heads as the not guilty pleas were entered.

In a statement following the death of Olivia, the nine-year-old’s family had described how she was ‘adored’ by everyone that knew her.

They said: ‘Liv was a unique chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born. She loved life and all it had to offer.

‘Liv loved dressing up and was very particular on how she was dressed, like any other little girl she loved doing her makeup and nails, she was nine going on 19.

‘Liv was adored by everyone who knew her and would instantly make friends with anyone and everyone. She was often seen going up and down the street on her new bike she had just got for her birthday.

‘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.’

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Olivia was fatally shot by a gunman at her home in Dovecot on August 22.