Man Who Drove Through LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he mowed down scores of LFC supporters at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was deeply disturbing.”
Victims of Paul Doyle wept while 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, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “expletives” as well as “fucking move” 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 acted as a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
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 became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding 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. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
