Man That Drove Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of LFC supporters during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was profoundly upsetting.”
Victims of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three shouting “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as 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
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals 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 after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
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 were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” 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.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding 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 forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video showed Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
