Driver That Drove Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into dozens of LFC supporters at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is truly shocking.”
Those injured in the incident cried as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution warned the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
