Driver Who Ploughed Through LFC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors warned the court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video indicated the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.