Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of LFC supporters during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video was profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured in the incident wept as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety 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 while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, 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 continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he acted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated Doyle “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
