Man That Drove Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.

A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of LFC fans at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.

“The video was deeply disturbing.”

Those injured of Paul Doyle cried 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, will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors warned the court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

The court was told that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.

Extent of the Injuries

Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

A supporter, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.

The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’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

Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

The video indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.

Nicole French
Nicole French

Environmental scientist and advocate passionate about sharing sustainable practices and green technologies.