Driver That Drove Into LFC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” as he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club supporters at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The footage is profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera showed bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “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 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three shouting “expletives” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
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 as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper 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 approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant 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 targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage showed Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
