Driver That Ploughed Into LFC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marine was a “man in a rage” when he drove into scores of Liverpool football club fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video is truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident wept as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
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’
The prosecution warned those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “expletives” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, 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, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video showed Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.