Man That Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Those injured in the incident wept while video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors warned the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety 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, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation 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 thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, 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.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video indicated Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
