A suspected car crash at the Liverpool FC victory parade has taken a dramatic turn as the accused, Paul Doyle, changed his plea to guilty on all charges. The 54-year-old from West Derby was seen sobbing in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court as he admitted to 31 offences, including nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
This shocking U-turn came on the second day of his trial, just one day after he had denied all charges. The incident on May 26 left more than 130 pedestrians injured, including two babies and six other children, as a silver Ford Galaxy mounted the pavement on Water Street.
The Day of the Liverpool Parade Attack
The horrific event unfolded shortly after 6 pm on May 26, as thousands of football fans gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC's Premier League title win. According to prosecutors, Doyle's vehicle mounted the pavement and travelled approximately 50 metres through the crowd.
Dashcam footage presented in court showed Doyle growing increasingly agitated by the crowds before making the deliberate decision to drive into pedestrians. Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond described this as "an act of calculated violence" rather than a momentary lapse in judgement.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Attack
Despite the guilty plea, several crucial questions remain unanswered about what motivated this devastating attack. Doyle was described by neighbours as a "fantastic guy" and a devoted family man with three teenage sons.
The former Marine, who works in cybersecurity, was actively involved with his local church and Scouts organisation. Neighbours on his quiet cul-de-sac expressed shock at his actions, with one stating: "It seems completely out of character. They are such a nice family."
Friends revealed that Doyle, who isn't a football supporter, had reportedly been doing a favour by dropping off his wife's friend and her daughter in the city centre. This contrasts sharply with the prosecution's description of a calculated attack.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Doyle's wife allegedly learned about the incident after recognising their family car on television news coverage. Neighbours initially assumed police presence at their £300,000 home indicated the family had been victims of crime themselves.
The sudden plea change surprised courtroom observers, with Judge Menary discharging the jury after Doyle admitted guilt. While the reason for his change of heart remains unclear, the defendant now faces a lengthy sentence when he returns to court for sentencing on December 15 or 16.
Emergency services were commended for their swift response, with authorities noting their actions likely saved lives. The attack has left a lasting impact on the Liverpool community, turning a day of celebration into one of tragedy and unanswered questions about what drove a respected family man to commit such violence.
