Driver Who Drove Through LFC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club supporters during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is deeply disturbing.”
Victims of Paul Doyle wept as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage showed the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
