Man That Drove Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into scores of Liverpool football club fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Victims in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera showed bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 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, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’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, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
