MERSEYSIDE'S Police and Crime Commissioner says a Channel 4 documentary following the investigation into the murders of Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Korbel sends a "powerful message about the destruction and damage caused by guns in our communities".
The four-part series, titled Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia, aired tonight (Monday) focusing on the high-profile murders of 28-year-old Ashley Dale and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who were both killed in 2022.
The series, which will run over consecutive nights this week, features testimonies from the loved ones of both victims, as well as cameras following the work of Merseyside Police.
Speaking today, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell described the programme as a "really, hard emotional watch" but underlined its importance.
She said: “Two years ago this week, our region was rocked by three devastating murders – Sam Rimmer, 22, Ashley Dale, 28, and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
“Their deaths caused unimaginable heartbreak and grief for three families, left their shocked communities reeling and appalled people across Merseyside and beyond.
“Our region responded as it always does – it pulled together, with care, support, and unity.
“As a result, Merseyside Police’s investigations team were able to secure thousands of pieces of evidence and the independent charity Crimestoppers received more intelligence than ever before.
“All of which led to five men being sentenced to a total of 215 years behind bars for their part in the heinous murders of Olivia and Ashley.
“The television series that airs this week documents how Merseyside Police was able to bring these toxic individuals to justice.
“It is a really hard, emotional watch and my thoughts are very much with Ashley and Olivia’s families on this most difficult of weeks.
“But it is such an important watch.
“For it sends, a powerful message about the destruction and damage caused by guns in our communities and the harm inflicted by the contemptible minority who use them.
“It is a reminder, that silence should never be an option. For all we have a part to play in protecting the lives of innocent people and preventing further tragedies and the information you provide is the lifeblood of the police’s work.
“Those who watch this series will also see the relentless determination among Merseyside Police’s officers and staff to bring those responsible to justice. Their hard work, professionalism, and dedication shines through, as does their unwavering commitment to making our streets safer. My profound thanks are with them."
“The impact of crime can last a lifetime. This programme may trigger grief or trauma among those who were affected by these abhorrent incidents, or indeed other crimes.
Ms Spurrell added: “I would urge anyone affected by crime, to reach out to our Victim Care Merseyside service.
“This team of specialist staff are on hand to offer advice, care, and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime on Merseyside, so please reach out if you need them on Freephone 0808 175 3080 between 8am and 6pm on weekdays or anytime online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org.
Describing the documentary, Channel 4's Sacha Mirzoeff said: "This is the highly sensitive inside story of how the police investigating teams go about their work while the families tell their side of the story from within the Merseyside community.
“Together they make a heart-rending, compulsive series which has been handled with compassion and aplomb by the LA Productions team."
Ashley Dale
Environmental health officer at Knowsley Council Ashley, was killed when gunman James Witham, 41, forced open the door of her home in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of August 21, firing 10 bullets in her dining room, one hitting Ms Dale in the abdomen as she stood by the back door, and five bullets into the wall of an upstairs bedroom.
Witham admitted her manslaughter but a jury at Liverpool Crown Court also found him guilty of her murder, along with fellow “foot soldier” Joseph Peers, 29, who the prosecution alleged drove a Hyundai to the scene and earlier helped Witham to stab tyres on Ms Dale’s car in an attempt to lure out the occupants of the house.
Niall Barry, 26, and Sean Zeisz, 28, were also convicted of murder after the jury heard they organised and encouraged the killing, which came after a feud between Miss Dale’s boyfriend Lee Harrison and Barry was re-ignited when Zeisz was assaulted at the Glastonbury festival last year.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel
On August 22, Thomas Cashman 34, chased a convicted drug dealer into nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s home in Liverpool.
Cashman admitted being a “high-level” cannabis dealer but denied being the gunman in the incident, which also injured Olivia’s mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, and Joseph Nee, the intended target, in Dovecot.
A jury at Manchester Crown Court found him guilty of the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Ms Korbel, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
During the trial, which lasted more than three weeks, the jury heard the schoolgirl ran downstairs after hearing shots outside, saying “I’m scared mummy, I’m scared”.
The bullet which killed Olivia was fired through the front door, hitting Ms Korbel in the hand before striking the schoolgirl in the chest.
Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia airs from Monday, August 19 at 9pm on Channel 4.
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