Driver Who Drove Through Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “man in a rage” as he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was deeply disturbing.”
Those injured in the incident wept as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution stated the court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.