Man That Drove Through LFC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into scores of Liverpool football club supporters during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The footage is deeply disturbing.”
Victims of Paul Doyle cried as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 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 shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Some at the scene thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
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. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage showed Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
