Driver Who Drove Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into scores of LFC fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, it was 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 what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
