Man That Drove Into LFC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine was a “man in a rage” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club supporters at a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The footage is profoundly upsetting.”
Victims of Paul Doyle wept while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea 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 large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant stated he acted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
