Driver That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video is profoundly upsetting.”
Victims in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, 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 who needed hospital treatment. An infant 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 shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
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 swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses thought that what was taking place 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 forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage showed Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
