Driver Who Drove Into LFC Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident cried as dashcam footage showed bodies spinning through 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 on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned the court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three yelling “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 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.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 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, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted 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 before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, 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.
