A former Royal Marine Commando who drove his car into a crowd of celebrating Liverpool fans, injuring more than 130 people, had a history of extreme violence that included biting off a man's ear in a pub fight, a court has heard.
A Shocking Return to Violence
Paul Doyle, 54, from Croxteth, Liverpool, had managed to live a law-abiding life for three decades before his shocking actions on 26 May 2025. On that day, during Liverpool Football Club's Premier League victory parade, he snapped and used his vehicle as a weapon, ploughing into hundreds of supporters. Prosecuting barrister Paul Greaney KC told Liverpool Crown Court that Doyle "not only caused injury on a large scale, but also generated horror in those who had attended what they had thought would be a day of joyfulness."
Doyle has pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, and 29 counts related to grievous bodily harm. He now faces a potential life sentence, with sentencing expected imminently.
A Troubled Military Career Defined by Anger
The court was presented with a detailed history of Doyle's violent past, which began in his late teens. He joined the Army at 18, initially serving with the Royal Engineers before passing out from the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre in March 1991. He served with 43 Commando in Arbroath, Scotland, a unit involved in securing the UK's nuclear deterrent.
However, his military career was marred by a lack of discipline and an inability to control his temper. He was convicted of his first offence, a military charge equivalent to common assault, in December 1989 at just 18. His conduct did not improve. In February 1992, he was fined for using violence towards a superior officer. He was eventually discharged from the Royal Marines in January 1993 after less than two years of service, having never seen active combat. The prosecution stated his services were "no longer required" due to his ill-disciplined behaviour.
Ear-Biting Assault and Early Prison Term
Even after leaving the regular Marines and joining the Royal Marine Reserve, Doyle's violent outbursts continued. The most shocking incident occurred in July 1993, when he was 21. During a drunken pub brawl with fellow servicemen, Doyle bit off another man's ear.
Before being sentenced for that assault, he committed further minor offences. He eventually appeared at Preston Crown Court, where he was convicted of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and threatening behaviour. On 3 November 1994, the day before his 23rd birthday, he was jailed for 12 months.
Following his release in May 1995, Doyle embarked on a remarkable 30-year period of rehabilitation. He went to university, held down responsible jobs, and started a family, having three children. He was convicted of no further offences during this time.
Tragic Unravelling in Seven Minutes
Mr Greaney KC told the court that this long period of positive conduct made his actions on the day of the parade "more shocking and tragic." The prosecution acknowledged Doyle's efforts to turn his life around after a "difficult early adulthood," but stated this only served to heighten the tragedy of the seven-minute rampage.
The case has laid bare the devastating consequences of a single, violent loss of control, shattering a day of celebration and leaving a profound scar on the city of Liverpool. The court now awaits the final judgement on a man whose life story is tragically bookended by severe acts of violence.
