Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s killer will not get an extension to his jail term, the solicitor general has said.

Several requests were made to increase the 42-year sentence of Thomas Cashman, 34, after he was put behind bars for shooting Olivia dead at her home in Liverpool last August.

He had been chasing drug dealer Joseph Nee, who tried to enter the girl’s home in an effort to escape.

Cashman started shooting and hit Olivia’s mother, Cheryl Korbel, in the wrist as she tried to stop Nee coming in, with the same bullet hitting Olivia.

Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC said: “Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s senseless murder at the hands of Thomas Cashman shocked and sickened the nation.

“Because of the strong feelings this case evokes, it was little surprise that I received several requests under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, to consider the sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years that was handed down to him.

“My duty as a law officer in considering whether sentences may be unduly lenient is to act independently of government, even when it is not easy or popular.

Eurovision 2023: Rishi Sunak ‘disappointed’ at decision to ban Volodymyr Zelenskyy from making address

Songs that could win Eurovision and the novelty acts to look out for

Eurovision 2023 officially kicks off in Liverpool as Frankie Goes To Hollywood reunite for opening ceremony

“Having received detailed legal advice and considered the issues raised very carefully, I have concluded Cashman’s case cannot properly be referred to the Court of Appeal.

“Such a referral can only be made if the rigorous legal test is met, irrespective of the seriousness of the crime or the emotions the offending may evoke. The threshold for referral is a high one, and that was not met in this case.

“The test is only met if the sentencing judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range reasonably available in the circumstances of the offending.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

“My thoughts remain with Olivia’s family and friends who have shown such immeasurable strength during this devastating time.”

Cashman, a drug dealer from Liverpool, has launched an appeal of his own, with his lawyers arguing his sentence is too harsh.

Related posts:

Prince William warns humans must ‘reset trajectory’ to avoid climate disaster ‘Olympic’ bat killed by cat after making epic 1,254 mile flight to Russia Red balloons released in memory of boy found dead in river Travel boost as seven more countries join green list from today – and France leaves ‘amber plus’ Married couple killed with their dog in motorbike collision UK government in court over Mozambique gas project money Couple found guilty of falsely imprisoning autistic son in their attic Man dies three months after being punched in the head Rugby chiefs urged to reduce matches over fears ex-players are developing brain diseases Dating site advert banned for showing offensive gender stereotypes Motorists in parts of UK told to only travel if it’s ‘essential’ as snow and ice spark surge in accidents Major incident declared after double-decker bus overturns with 70 people on board amid icy and dangerous conditions