A driver who used his car as a 'weapon' to plough through crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win told police officers afterwards 'I've just ruined my family's life', a sentencing hearing was told today.
A Rage That Took Hold
Paul Doyle, 54, wept as harrowing dashcam footage of the seven-minute rampage was shown multiple times at Liverpool Crown Court. Prosecutors described him as a 'family man' whose anger had 'completely taken hold of him' on the afternoon of May 26.
The court heard that in the space of just two minutes, his nearly two-tonne Ford Galaxy collided with well over 100 people. In total, his actions injured 134 individuals during the victory parade, a day meant for 'joyfulness'.
Horrific Footage and Victims' Ordeal
Horrifying footage played in court captured Doyle shouting obscenities like 'move' and 'get out the f****** way' as he drove into the crowds. The video showed pedestrians desperately pulling children from the vehicle's path and a man landing on the windscreen, causing it to smash. A pram was seen overturned on the street.
Doyle has pleaded guilty to 31 offences relating to the incident. These include dangerous driving, affray, and multiple counts of causing and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. The charges relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years.
The youngest victim was six-month-old Teddy Eveson, whom Doyle admitted attempting to cause GBH to. The infant was reportedly thrown about 15 feet down the road in his pram on impact.
'Prepared to Cause Serious Harm'
Opening the facts, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC stated the prosecution's case was clear: 'The defendant had used the vehicle as a weapon'. He added that Doyle was 'prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm if necessary to achieve his aim of getting through'.
Mr Greaney told the court that Doyle, who was in the city to collect a friend, had an opportunity to stop and seek protection from nearby police officers but did not do so. The prosecutor dismissed Doyle's later claims of being in fear, stating his actions were driven by a lost temper and a singular desire to get through the crowd.
Doyle was arrested at the scene on Water Street just after 6pm and charged later that week. The sentencing hearing continues.
