Man Who Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he mowed down dozens of LFC supporters at a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is profoundly upsetting.”
Victims of Paul Doyle wept as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “man in a rage 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
In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – 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, the court heard.
A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
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 kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
