Driver Who Drove Through LFC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
A former Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of LFC supporters at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution warned those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a laceration on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage showed Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.