Man That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of LFC fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The footage was truly shocking.”
Victims of Paul Doyle cried while video from the car’s camera showed bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds 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 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Scale of the Carnage
In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.
“Witnesses believed the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage showed the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
