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CHERYL KORBEL WANTS OFFENDERS LIKE THOMAS CASHMAN TO FACE THE FULL CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS 17:45, 20 May 2025 The 'cowardice' of violent offenders and murderers like Thomas

Cashman will no longer go unpunished as the government unveiled plans to punish criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing. Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mum, Cheryl Korbel and her cousin,

Antonia Elverson were both in attendance at Parliament today to hear the second reading of the Victims and Courts Bill. The new law is part of a tireless campaign by Cheryl and her family

and will create tougher penalties for criminals who skip their sentencing hearing. Olivia was murdered by Thomas Cashman in the Dovecot area of Liverpool on August 22, 2022. After his

conviction, Cashman was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 42 years, but refused to attend court for his sentencing hearing in April 2023 - adding additional pain and

suffering for Olivia's devastated family. It meant Cashman was absent for both his sentencing and the moment when Cheryl Korbel read out her heartbreaking victim impact statement.

Cashman's cowardice caused public outrage and prompted calls for a change in the law. Under the new legislation, judges will be given the power to sentence offenders for up to two more

years in prison for avoiding justice. For those who already face lengthy imprisonment or whole life orders, judges could also impose a range of prison punishments on offenders, such as

confinement to their cells and stripping them of privileges such as extra gym time. Addressing Parliament during the second reading of the Victims and Courts Bill, Knowsley MP Anneliese

Midgley said the new legislation was "incredibly important" for family members like Cheryl Korbel who have worked nonstop for a change in the law. Ms Midgley said: "Today, I

[want] to speak to one part of this Bill, the part that will require convicted offenders to attend their sentencing hearings and provide consequences where they refuse. It’s known as

Olivia’s Law." Adding: "Losing a child is the greatest agony a parent can endure. The scale of that pain defies comprehension. "To lose a child to murder — in your own home -

while trying to protect them is a burden no parent should ever be asked to bear. "But under our current justice system, convicted criminals, including murderers, can opt out of

attending their own sentencing. That’s exactly what Olivia’s murderer did. "Cashman chose to remain in his cell — refusing to face the court, to hear Cheryl’s words, or to look her in

the eye. It was the act of a coward. That injustice must end. Article continues below "Mr Speaker, Nothing in this world can bring Olivia back. But instead of collapsing under this

weight, Cheryl fought back. She and her family have campaigned so no other family will suffer the same. Olivia’s Law is her work. It is Olivia’s legacy. It is Cheryl’s legacy." The

Victims and Courts Bill will now progress to the Committee stage.