Driver Who Ploughed Through LFC Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The footage was profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “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 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “expletives” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, 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 whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, 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.
