A driver who deliberately used his car as a 'weapon' to plough through a crowd of Liverpool football fans celebrating a Premier League title win is due to be sentenced today.
Seven Minutes of Terror on a Celebration Day
Paul Doyle, 54, from Croxteth, Liverpool, last month pleaded guilty to a total of 31 offences relating to the incident on 26 May. The father of three admitted to dangerous driving, affray, and a series of serious charges including 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine of causing GBH with intent, and three of wounding with intent.
The court heard that Doyle, in a rage, tailgated an ambulance down a road closed to non-emergency vehicles. He then accelerated his Ford Galaxy into the packed crowds over a period of just seven minutes. Dashcam footage played in court showed bodies spinning through the air as he screamed at people to move.
Victims Describe Lasting Trauma in Court
The first day of a two-day sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday was dominated by harrowing victim impact statements. Victims, many of whom wept in court, described their terror and the physical and psychological injuries they sustained.
More than 50 people required hospital treatment, including a number of children, after Doyle's vehicle struck more than 100 fans. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC stated that Doyle 'intended to cause people within the crowd serious harm' and was 'prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm' to achieve his aim of getting through.
Awaiting Justice After Guilty Plea
Doyle, who was pictured wiping away tears in court on 15 December, had initially denied the offences. He was in the city to collect a friend and family from the celebrations when the attack occurred.
Further victim impact statements are expected to be heard this morning before the judge passes sentence. The case has highlighted the devastating consequences of using a vehicle as an instrument of violence in a crowded public space.
