Russell pleaded guilty but was commended for identifying Olivia’s murderer when he comprehended what had occurred.
For helping nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s murderer, Thomas Cashman, a man was sentenced to 22 months in prison.
Paul Russell, 41, pled guilty after driving Cashman back to his van after the murder and disposing of a bag containing the victim’s clothing.
The judge commended Russell for reporting Cashman to the police when he realized Olivia had been murdered.
He claimed he was unaware the girl had been murdered on the night he assisted the shooter.
Russell will spend only a few months in prison, taking into consideration the time he spent on remand and the fact that most offenders are eligible for release at the halfway point.
Olivia’s father responded “Joke” when the judge announced the sentence, and the judge, Mrs. Justice Yip, acknowledged that many would consider the sentence “very lenient.”
Cashman jumped over backyards to reach the home of his ex-girlfriend, now Russell’s partner, after Olivia’s death.
When Cashman arrived, she called Russell and Olivia’s murderer sought a ride to his Citron van, according to accounts.
Russell did so and also took a bag of Cashman’s clothing to a nearby address where the killer’s friends resided.
He told police he was “terrified” of Cashman, who allegedly instructed Russell the day after the murder, “Don’t say nothing.”
Police issued him a “threat to life” notice when he was charged with aiding Cashman, and he will be given a new identity when he is released, the Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent Mark Baker stated, “Assisting a criminal to evade justice when they have committed any crime is to be condemned, but especially when the victim is an innocent child.”
“Thank goodness Russell turned himself in when he realized the gravity of Cashman’s actions and that Olivia had been murdered.
“His guilty plea spares Olivia’s family the agony of sitting through another trial and reliving that terrible night.”
Cashman was sentenced to 42 years for his August Liverpool homicide earlier this month.
After complaints from the public that his sentence was too lenient, his sentence could be increased.
The office of the attorney general has until May 1, 28 days after Cashman’s sentencing, to determine whether or not to refer the appeal to the Court of Appeal.
The judges there could increase his sentence to life in prison, meaning he will die in prison.
Cashman was also found guilty of intentionally wounding Cheryl Korbel, Olivia’s mother. Cashman received ten years for assaulting Ms. Korbel.
A jury also found him guilty of the attempted assassination of convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee. Whom he had pursued into Olivia’s residence before opening fire.
