Driver That Ploughed Through Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club supporters at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Victims in the incident wept as 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 following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated those in court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses believed the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
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.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended 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: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
