Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into dozens of LFC fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was profoundly upsetting.”
Victims of Paul Doyle wept as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated the court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “expletives” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
As bodies lay on the ground, 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 held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage 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 as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
