A man who deliberately drove a car into a crowd celebrating a Liverpool FC victory parade has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for his 'truly shocking' actions.
Judge condemns 'inexplicable fury' of parade attacker
Paul Doyle, 54, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison by Judge Andrew Menary KC at Liverpool Crown Court. The judge told Doyle he had acted in 'inexplicable and undiluted fury' during the incident in May, when he used his vehicle as a weapon against the celebrating public.
Two minutes of devastation in Liverpool city centre
The court heard how Doyle ploughed his car into the crowds gathered for the Liverpool FC parade, hitting 134 people in just two minutes. The parade was taking place to celebrate the club's success, drawing thousands of fans into the city centre.
Judge Menary, describing the footage of the attack, stated: 'The footage is truly shocking. It is difficult if not impossible to convey in words alone the scene of devastation you caused.' The sentencing reflects the severity of using a car as a weapon in a densely packed public space.
Lengthy sentence for deliberate act of violence
The sentence of over two decades underscores the court's view of the crime's gravity. The attack on the Liverpool parade, an event of communal joy, was transformed into a scene of panic and injury by Doyle's actions.
This case highlights the serious legal consequences for those who target public gatherings with vehicles, with the judiciary imposing substantial terms to reflect the harm caused and to deter similar offences.
