A man who drove his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title victory, injuring more than 100 people, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after admitting his guilt.
Court hears of 'rage' that led to carnage
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday that Paul Doyle, 54, was "in a rage" when he used his Ford Galaxy as a "weapon" to plough through the joyous crowds on Water Street on 26 May. Prosecutors stated his "anger had completely taken hold of him" during the horrific incident.
Doyle, from Croxteth, wept as dashcam footage from his vehicle was played repeatedly in court. The video showed him shouting at pedestrians to "move out the f****** way" and repeatedly using his horn as people tried to jump to safety. Some were forced onto the car's bonnet.
After being arrested and placed in a police van, body-worn camera footage captured Doyle saying: "I've just ruined my family's life." He had previously been described in court as a "family man".
Heroic actions and severe injuries
The prosecution highlighted the bravery of ex-soldier Daniel Barr, who was called the "hero" of the day. Seeing the car stop suddenly, Mr Barr instinctively pulled open a rear door, climbed in, and forced the gearstick into park, ultimately bringing the vehicle to a halt.
The attack left a trail of serious injuries. The court heard detailed accounts from 29 victims, aged from just six months to 77 years old.
A 77-year-old woman spent 27 days in hospital with fractures to her forearm, collar bone, ribs, pelvis, and nose, plus extensive bruising. A 66-year-old woman broke six ribs. A 17-year-old victim suffered a fractured tibia and took two months to regain mobility.
Psychological trauma for victims
In total, 78 people submitted victim impact statements, describing how the "best day ever" turned into a nightmare. They spoke of enduring "emotional and psychological injury" and "frequent flashbacks".
The words of a 12-year-old boy were read in court: "I have never felt so scared before in my life." His mother said the sight of him lying motionless on the road "will live with me forever".
In a particularly harrowing account, Sheree Aldridge, 37, described how her six-month-old son Teddy was thrown 15 feet in his pram. "I thought my Teddy was dead," she said. "I thought I was next."
Doyle has pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, and multiple counts of causing and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. Police confirmed the attack was not ideologically motivated, with Doyle sober and his vehicle functioning. The prosecution concluded he had simply "lost his temper".
