A former Royal Marine who drove his car into crowds celebrating a Liverpool Football Club victory parade is now unlikely to serve a conventional prison sentence, following a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The Seven Minutes of Carnage
Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old father-of-three and former cyber security expert, caused mayhem during the club's trophy parade in Liverpool. Over a terrifying seven-minute period, his Ford Galaxy Titanium collided with more than 100 people, leaving 134 attendees injured. Victims were trapped underneath the vehicle in scenes of chaos.
The youngest person hurt was six-month-old Teddy Eveson, who was thrown roughly 15 feet down the road in his pram. Merseyside Police stated it was only by "sheer luck" that no one was killed during the incident. Doyle had been in the city to collect a friend but prosecutors allege he lost his temper and deliberately drove into the celebrating fans.
One victim, 62-year-old Liverpool supporter Robin Darke, suffered life-changing injuries when his foot was crushed. He described the scene as akin to a bomb going off, with "carnage everywhere, crying and screaming."
Guilty Pleas and a Potential Hospital Order
At Liverpool Crown Court last week, Doyle, who appeared shaken and barely audible, pleaded guilty to a series of serious offences. These included multiple counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, causing GBH with intent, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and affray. The charges relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years old.
Judge Andrew Menary KC warned Doyle to prepare for a lengthy custodial sentence. However, a significant development has emerged from his time on remand at Wakefield Prison. A source told The Sun that following an examination, it was concluded Doyle could have PTSD.
This diagnosis opens the possibility that, when he is sentenced on December 15, the court could issue a hospital order under the Mental Health Act instead of a prison term. This would mean Doyle being treated as a patient in a secure psychiatric hospital like Broadmoor, Ashworth or Rampton.
Life in a Secure Hospital vs Prison
If sent to a high-security hospital, Doyle's conditions would differ markedly from those in a standard prison. An insider claimed his life would be "much more comfortable" as he would be treated primarily as a patient. Such hospitals focus on therapy and rehabilitation, with facilities that can include spacious wards, gardens, cafes, and activity rooms for woodwork and pottery.
Doyle is currently being held as a Category A inmate, the highest security classification, due to fears of reprisals from other prisoners. A source explained that many inmates in northern prisons likely had friends or relatives at the parade, making him a potential target.
Criminologist Alex Izsatt suggested Doyle could be facing a sentence of between 10 and 20 years. She noted that while his previous good character and remorse might slightly soften the sentence, the number and severity of injuries make a long-term term almost certain.
The attack was halted when a brave member of the public got into the automatic car and held the gear selector in park. Chief Crown prosecutor Sarah Hammond condemned Doyle's actions as "an act of calculated violence" and a deliberate choice that turned celebration into mayhem.
