Driver That Ploughed Through Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of LFC fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution warned the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three shouting “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.
The court was told 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 within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.