Man That Ploughed Through Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of LFC supporters during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is truly shocking.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle wept as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses 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 forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage showed the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.