The man accused of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel has informed a courtroom he was smoking “a spliff” and counting cash at a pal’s home on the time she was fatally shot.
Thomas Cashman, who denies killing the nine-year-old in Liverpool in August final 12 months, additionally informed jurors: “I’m a dad, I’m not a killer.”
The 34-year-old is charged with murdering Olivia, who was fatally shot throughout when a gunman opened fireplace whereas chasing convicted drug supplier Joseph Nee into her and her mom’s residence.
Her mom, Cheryl Korbel, was additionally injured. Cashman denies being the gunman.
Cashman, who has admitted being a “high-level cannabis dealer”, informed jurors on Wednesday that he was with a pal, Craig Byrne, on the evening Olivia was killed.
He informed the courtroom he went to Mr Byrne’s home, the place collectively they counted round £10,000 in money in his spare room.
Cashman added: “We counted money, then went downstairs. I done myself a spliff in the kitchen, went in the back garden and was having just a general chit-chat with Craig.”
He mentioned when he later went into the entrance backyard he may hear sirens and was informed by somebody there have been “police everywhere”.
Cashman, giving proof for a second day, denied being concerned within the capturing.
Asked by John Cooper KC, defending, if he had dedicated any of the offences he was accused of, the father-of-two mentioned: “No, I did not. I am getting the blame for something I haven’t done.
“I’m getting blamed for killing a child and I have got my own children. I’m a dad, I’m not a killer.”
Earlier within the trial, the jury heard from a girl, who can’t be named for authorized causes, who had a fling with Cashman.
She claimed he went to her home after the capturing the place he modified his garments and she or he heard him saying he had “done Joey”.
Asked if at any stage he did confess, Cashman mentioned: “No, I did not, she’s trying to ruin my life.”
Prosecutors allege Cashman walked and travelled in his van across the space forward of a plan to search out Nee and execute a “hit”.
However, Cashman mentioned his actions had been associated to his drug dealing.
Mr Cooper mentioned: “It’s suggested that the purpose of your movements were not for the reason you say, but either for the reason of executing a hit or planning a hit?”
Cashman replied: “No, that’s not true whatsoever. What you see here is typical of a local lad who sells cannabis in the area.”
Cashman denies the homicide of Olivia, the tried homicide of Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily hurt to Olivia’s mom, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to hazard life.
The trial will proceed on Thursday.
Source: information.sky.com”