Driver Who Drove Through Liverpool FC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.

A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into scores of LFC supporters during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.

“The footage was deeply disturbing.”

Those injured in the incident wept as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, 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.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the ex-marine injured 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

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

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path 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”. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.

In his police interview, Doyle claimed he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “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 Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.

Marilyn Morgan
Marilyn Morgan

Elara is a seasoned travel writer and luxury lifestyle expert, sharing unique insights from global adventures.