Man That Ploughed Into LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club supporters during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The footage was deeply disturbing.”
Victims in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “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 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution warned the court that the footage from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a laceration on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” 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 thought that 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 entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage showed Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
