Man Who Drove Into LFC Victory Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into scores of LFC fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The video was deeply disturbing.”
Those injured in the incident cried while dashcam footage 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 at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
The prosecution warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” 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 shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.
Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
