Man That Ploughed Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Hears.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club fans at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Those injured in the incident cried as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
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 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards 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 whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“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 an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended 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 in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video 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 bypassed other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
