Man That Drove Through Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club supporters at a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video is truly shocking.”
Those injured in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “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 “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. 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.
A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Witnesses 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 stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
