Man That Ploughed Into LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video is truly shocking.”
Those injured in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors stated those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
A supporter, 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 multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further 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, 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 turned to “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
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car 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 claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted 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, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
