Man That Drove Through LFC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marine acted as a “man in a rage” as he drove into scores of Liverpool football club supporters at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident wept as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage 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
Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
The defendant 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.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place 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, a man identified in court, 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.
During questioning, the defendant stated he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. 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 showed the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
