Liam Naylor, 31, of Fairclough Road in Huyton, was jailed for 35 months at Liverpool Crown Court after ploughing his car into a crowd outside the Queens Arms pub on Father's Day 2025. The incident, captured on mobile phone footage, left 61-year-old John Amore with a broken leg requiring a nine-hour operation and skin graft.
Attack sparked by pub row
The court heard Naylor had been involved in a disagreement inside the pub at around 5.15pm on June 15, 2025. Although the parties appeared to resolve things and shook hands, the row flared up again outside. Naylor shouted: "Who the f*** do you think you're looking at? Do you know who I am?" before driving forwards, reversing, and then ploughing into a small crowd with his head out of the window, shouting aggressively.
Another man vaulted headfirst over railings to avoid being hit, dropping his pint. Mr Amore, who had been celebrating Father's Day, tried to stop Naylor from driving because he was "plainly unfit to do so." Instead, Naylor ran over his leg, fracturing his tibia and fibula.
Victim's life changed forever
In a statement read to the court, Mr Amore said: "As a result of this small man wanting to fight the world, my life has been altered for the rest of my life. Never did I think when I left the house I would sustain injuries that would cause such an impact and destruction." He spent nine days in hospital, was unable to work for nine months, and now suffers from anxiety and depression. His partner of 20 years, an NHS employee, had to wake at 5am to wash and dress him before work.
He added: "Father's Day will never be the same for our family again. I wake up sweating, reliving the incident every night."
Naylor's background and sentence
Naylor had one previous conviction for battery and criminal damage in 2015. His defence lawyer, Callum Ross, said the offence was "out of character" and that Naylor was a hard-working plumber and breadwinner for his partner and two children, aged two and seven. He had been relying on benefits while awaiting the outcome of the case.
Recorder Anna Pope KC sentenced Naylor to 35 months in prison, noting he had used his car as a weapon in temper and anger. She said: "You caused two fractures that required lengthy surgery. You regret very much what took place. I accept that your remorse is genuine." Naylor was also banned from driving for 47 months and must pass an extended retest.
Police response
Detective Inspector Steve Wilkinson of Merseyside Police said: "This case highlights the dangers of drink driving and that this kind of reckless behaviour can put several lives at risk. I hope Naylor reflects on this incident and fully understands the impact his actions have had."
