A former Royal Marine described by neighbours as a 'role model father' with a 'heart of gold' has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for a deliberate and sustained vehicle attack on a crowd of Liverpool FC supporters.
A Day of Celebration Turns to Carnage
The horrific incident occurred on the evening of May 29, 2024, as thousands of fans dispersed following the club's victory parade in Liverpool city centre. Paul Doyle, 36, from Croxteth, drove his silver Ford Galaxy onto the cordoned-off Water Street and deliberately mounted the pavement, ploughing into pedestrians for a distance of around 50 metres.
The attack left 134 people injured, including a six-month-old baby in a pram and a 77-year-old woman who suffered multiple fractures. Dashcam footage played in court showed Doyle shouting angrily and sounding his horn as he drove into the helpless crowd. The prosecution stated he 'used the vehicle as a weapon' in a calculated act of aggression.
Community Shock and Victim Trauma
In his local community, Doyle was known as a fit, teetotal family man who attended church and meditated. Neighbours expressed utter disbelief, with one stating his 'heart just sank' upon recognising Doyle's car on television news reports. His wife of 20 years, a school teacher, reportedly 'burst out crying' when a neighbour came to her door seeking clarification.
The sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court was packed with victims, many of whom provided harrowing impact statements. Sheree Aldridge, mother of six-month-old victim Teddy, described thinking her son was dead after his pram was thrown 15 feet. Another mother spoke of flashbacks featuring her 13-year-old son's 'terrified face'.
Late Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Doyle initially gave police a 'false and distorted account', claiming a man with a knife had approached his car. He was expected to argue he acted out of panic, but at the eleventh hour, he pleaded guilty to all charges. These included dangerous driving, affray, and multiple counts of causing and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sentencing Doyle, Judge Andrew Menary KC said his 'disregard for human life defies ordinary understanding'. He noted that Doyle continued to press the accelerator even with people trapped under his vehicle, acting out of 'inexplicable and undiluted fury' rather than fear. The judge acknowledged the brave intervention of ex-soldier Daniel Barr, who leaped into the moving car to put it in park, potentially saving lives.
In mitigation, Doyle's defence counsel said he was 'horrified, remorseful, ashamed and deeply sorry' and accepted full responsibility for his actions, which he struggled to comprehend. The court heard the 'paradox' was that Doyle had begun the day simply doing a favour for a friend, offering them a lift to the celebrations.
