Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The video is truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident wept as video from the car’s camera showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Some at the scene thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
