Driver Who Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The footage is deeply disturbing.”
Victims in the incident cried as dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution warned the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant 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 became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend 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, the vehicle’s path 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 kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.