Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marine was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of LFC fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident wept as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “expletives” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “man in a rage 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 ex-marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, 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 about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “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 believed the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
