Man Who Ploughed Through LFC Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into scores of LFC supporters at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was truly shocking.”
Those injured of Paul Doyle cried while dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering 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.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety 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 while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
