Thomas Cashman, aged 34, is being tried at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Olivia was fatally shot in her home in the Dovecot district of Liverpool on August 22 last year.

The court heard testimony from a woman who claimed to have had an affair with Cashman. She reported that Cashman appeared at her home on the night of the incident, expressing fear and seeking refuge. Cashman was accused of wounding Olivia's mother, Cheryl Korbel, and attempting to murder Joseph Nee.

Cheryl Korbel was injured when the assailant fired through her front door while chasing Joseph Nee, who ran into their home seeking shelter. Witnesses described Cashman's suspicious behavior on the night of the shooting, including his demand for secrecy and visible nervousness.

The witness claimed that Cashman was alerted by a source about someone intending to harm him, which led to the sequence of events that night. She noted his distress and unusual behavior, as well as his alleged mention of "Joey" during their conversation.

Further, the court heard that Cashman left behind evidence, including a bundle of clothes at the witness's home. The jury is set to hear more from this key witness in the following days.

The trial continues as the court gathers more evidence surrounding this tragic event.