Liam Naylor, a 31-year-old plumber, has been sentenced to 35 months in prison for using his car as a weapon outside the Queens Arms pub in Huyton, Merseyside, on Father's Day 2025. The incident left John Amore, 61, with a shattered leg requiring nine hours of surgery and a skin graft.
Pub Dispute Escalates
Liverpool Crown Court heard on June 24 that Naylor became involved in a disagreement with several men inside the pub around 5:15 pm. The groups appeared to shake hands and resolve the issue, but moments later, Naylor was seen yelling from his vehicle: "Who the f*** do you think you're looking at? Do you know who I am?"
Prosecutor Holly Menary described how customers tried to open Naylor's driver-side door before he accelerated forward, reversed, and then "ploughed his car into the small crowd" while hanging his head out the window, shouting aggressively. Mobile phone footage showed a man diving headfirst over railings to avoid being struck, spilling his pint. Mr. Amore, who had been trying to stop Naylor from driving while intoxicated, was run over.
Victim's Life Altered
In a victim impact statement, Mr. Amore said: "As a result of this small man wanting to fight the world, my life has been altered for the rest of my life. Father's Day will never be the same for our family again." He described undergoing a nine-hour operation, spending nine days in hospital, and being unable to work for nine months. His partner, an NHS worker, now rises at 5 am to help wash and dress him.
Mr. Amore, previously a keen runner, kickboxer, and cyclist, added: "I wake up sweating, reliving the incident every night. I hope to never have to come into contact with him again."
Alcohol and Sentencing
Police arrested Naylor at his home, where he was unsteady on his feet. A breathalyser test showed 84 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—more than double the legal limit of 35. He later declined to provide a blood sample, citing a needle phobia. Naylor admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to provide a specimen.
Recorder Anna Pope KC noted: "It is clear to me that what took place was in temper and anger. You used your car as a weapon." She sentenced Naylor to 35 months and banned him from driving for 47 months, requiring an extended retest.
Defence and Police Comments
Defence barrister Callum Ross said Naylor was "full of regret" and that the offence was "out of character." He noted Naylor's previous conviction—a community order for battery and criminal damage in 2015—and that he lived with his partner and two children, aged two and seven.
Detective Inspector Steve Wilkinson of Merseyside Police said: "This case highlights the dangers of drink driving and that this kind of reckless behaviour can put several lives at risk. I hope Naylor reflects on this incident and fully understands the impact his actions have had."
