Man That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club supporters at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video was profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle wept as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “expletives” as well as “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the ex-marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle 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 became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” 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.
“Some at the scene thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “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
The video indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
