Cheryl Korbel is campaigning for ‘Olivia’s Law’, in memory of her daughter who was killed in 2022, to force offenders to attend sentencing hearings to face justice for their crimes
The mum of murdered schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel met Keir Starmer today to discuss plans for a new law in her daughter’s memory.
Olivia, 9, was killed by drug dealer Thomas Cashman as he pursued a rival into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, in August 2022. The cowardly killer refused to show up to hear his sentence when he was jailed for life in April 2023.
Cheryl Korbel is campaigning for ‘Olivia’s Law’, which would force offenders to face justice. She previously said she wanted Cashman “to understand the pain he’s caused” by hearing the statements from Olivia’s family.
Mr Starmer said: “It’s really important to meet today because we met 17 months ago and I said two things: We will support the previous government on this, and if we get into power, we’ll make sure this happens.
“That’s the promise I made to you and it’s a promise I’m going to keep, and that’s why this is forthcoming legislation is so important. We have put this in the first King’s Speech so we will legislate on this at the first chance and we should have it before the summer.”
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, who attended the meeting in Downing Street, said: “No family should have to suffer the pain of seeing justice diminished because an offender refuses to appear in court.
“Cheryl Korbel’s courageous campaign highlights a vital gap in our justice system. While nothing can undo the loss of Olivia, this law would ensure dignity and justice for victims and their families.”
BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here – Lizzy Buchan, Jason Beattie, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke, Ashley Cowburn, Mikey Smith
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
The Mirror has campaigned for offenders to face justice by attending their sentencing hearings, when families are given the opportunity to read victim personal statements.
High-profile killers like nurse Lucy Letby and Jordan McSweeney, who murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena as she walked home in east London, refused to leave their cells to listen to the impact of their offences.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously told the Mirror: “I can only imagine the grief and anger felt by the families and friends of Zara Aleena, Olivia Pratt-Korbel and many others when criminals like Jordan McSweeney and Thomas Cashman refuse to face up to their crimes.
“This Government is putting victims’ needs at the heart of the system so they can have faith that justice will be delivered.”
