The mother of murdered nine-year-old, Olivia Pratt-Korbel, is meeting the prime minister on Tuesday to discuss plans for a new law to be created in her daughter’s name.

Olivia was fatally shot by Thomas Cashman when he chased a fellow drug dealer into her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on 22 August 2022.

Cashman refused to attend court when he was jailed for life in April 2023.

Cheryl Korbel is campaigning for new legislation which would force offenders to appear in court for sentencing.

Ms Korbel and the MP for Knowsley, Anneliese Midgley, will meet Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to discuss Olivia’s Law.

The campaign calls for reforms to prevent convicted criminals avoiding the courtroom.

Olivia’s mother has previously said she believed Cashman did not attend his sentencing because “he’s a coward”. She said she had wanted her daughter’s killer to hear her impact statement “to understand the pain he’s caused”.

The government has committed to introducing a law ensuring offenders appear in court, with Ms Midgley calling Tuesday’s meeting a significant step forward in delivering on their promise.

“No family should have to suffer the pain of seeing justice diminished because an offender refuses to appear in court,” said the Labour MP .

“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.”

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