Man Who Ploughed Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down dozens of LFC fans during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video is profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured in the incident wept while dashcam footage 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 after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated the court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, 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” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video indicated the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
