Driver Who Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he drove into dozens of LFC fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured in the incident cried as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors warned those in court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three shouting “expletives” and “fucking move” 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 acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant 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 about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
