Driver Who Ploughed Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.

A former Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down dozens of LFC fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.

“The footage is truly shocking.”

Those injured of Paul Doyle wept while dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.

‘A Man in a Rage’

Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

The court was told 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.

Scale of the Carnage

Overall, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

One fan, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor 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 what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.

Frank Whitehead
Frank Whitehead

A travel writer and Las Vegas enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring the city's hidden gems and vibrant nightlife.