Driver Who Ploughed Through Liverpool FC Victory Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.

An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

“The video is profoundly upsetting.”

Those injured in the incident wept while video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, 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 had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Scale of the Carnage

In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of 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 became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Speaking to a full court, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

“Witnesses believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

In his police interview, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage showed the defendant “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 he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

The video showed the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.

Janet Nichols
Janet Nichols

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in slot machine analysis and gaming strategy development.