The driver who ploughed into a crowd of celebrating Liverpool FC fans broke down in tears as harrowing footage of the incident was played in court. Paul Doyle, 31, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for a two-day sentencing hearing, where CCTV and dashcam videos graphically depicted the moment his Ford Galaxy accelerated into the parade on May 26.
Courtroom Gasps as Carnage Footage Shown
I watched as Paul Doyle, his greying hair slicked back, hung his head and repeatedly wiped his eyes with a tissue. The courtroom, packed with victims and their relatives, fell silent before gasps and tears erupted as the footage rolled.
The video evidence showed football fans being flung over the car's bonnet and others dragged under its wheels as Doyle drove through the crowds. Horrific pictures displayed four people trapped beneath the vehicle, with further video showing two teenagers and a young boy being pulled from under the engine.
An overflow room had to be opened to accommodate the large number of injured victims and families who attended to see Doyle face justice. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC warned the court that the footage of Doyle's foul-mouthed rampage was "truly shocking."
A "False and Distorted Account" Unravels
For months following the attack, which left over 130 people injured, Doyle refused to accept responsibility. He dramatically changed his plea to guilty on 31 charges only at the end of November, minutes before his trial was due to begin.
In police interviews, Doyle had constructed what the prosecution called a "false and distorted account." He claimed he panicked after fans targeted his car, said he feared for his life because he saw a man with a knife, and insisted he stopped immediately after hitting the first people.
The dashcam footage from his own vehicle proved every one of these claims to be untrue. As details of his lies were read aloud, families in the public gallery shook their heads in disbelief.
Victim Impact Statements Detail Lasting Trauma
During the afternoon session, the prosecution read out a long list of victim impact statements from some of the 134 injured. The personal accounts detailed horrific physical and mental injuries suffered by children, adults, and the elderly, all left haunted by the events of that day.
As these emotional statements were delivered, Doyle, flanked by two prison officers in the glass-panelled dock, sat motionless, staring down at his feet. A box of tissues was passed among the traumatised families as they listened.
Doyle has admitted to 31 charges, including:
- 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent
- 9 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- 3 counts of wounding with intent
- 1 count of affray
- 1 count of dangerous driving
His sentencing hearing is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, where a judge will determine his fate after considering the full scale of the devastation he caused.
