Man That Ploughed Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
An ex- Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he mowed down dozens of LFC supporters at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Victims of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera showed people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was stopped 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 continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage demonstrated Doyle “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.