Driver That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club supporters during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage 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 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty 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, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage showed Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
