Driver That Ploughed Into Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he mowed down scores of LFC fans at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors warned the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of 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 hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – 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.
A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
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
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat 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 acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, 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 drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.