Thomas Cashman, 35, who was convicted of shooting and killing nine-year-old Olivia, has had his application for permission to file an appeal denied by a judge.

Dame Victoria Sharp, delivering the decision, emphasised the gravity of Cashman’s offence and dismissed any claims of excessive sentencing, stating, “It cannot be sensibly argued that the overall sentencing imposed was excessive, let alone manifestly excessive.”

This marks the second time Cashman’s attempt to challenge his minimum jail term has been denied. His previous plea, made in July 2023, was rejected without a hearing.

The shooting occurred as Cashman pursued convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee. In the attempt to escape, Nee sought refuge in Olivia’s home, leading Cashman to open fire. The same bullet that hit Olivia fatally wounded her as she stood behind her mother, Cheryl Korbel.

Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC, in May, declared that Cashman, a high-level Liverpool drug dealer, would not face an increased jail term despite public outcry. Requests to extend his prison time via the unduly lenient sentence scheme were declined.

Olivia’s mother, Cheryl Korbel, is advocating for a change in the law to compel offenders like Cashman to attend sentencing hearings. Cashman notably refused to approach the dock during his sentencing.

Closing the hearing, Dame Victoria Sharp acknowledged the lengthy sentence imposed on Cashman, emphasising that it was a consequence of his heinous crimes rather than any judicial error. She noted that he would be well into his 70s before being considered for release on licence.