Driver Who Drove Through LFC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is truly shocking.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant 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’
Prosecutors stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered 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 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, sustaining a laceration on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped 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 kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.