Driver That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into scores of Liverpool football club supporters during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle wept while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through 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 at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned those in court that the footage from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” 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.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “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
The video showed the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
