Driver Who Drove Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into scores of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video is profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured in the incident wept while dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut 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!” 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, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Witnesses thought that what was taking place 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, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant claimed he acted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video 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 as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
