A Ukrainian mother who sought sanctuary in the UK from conflict has described the terrifying moment a car ploughed into her during Liverpool Football Club's victory parade, an act for which the driver has now been jailed for more than two decades.
From War Zone to a New Nightmare
Anna Bilonozhenko, 43, had travelled to Liverpool with her 22-year-old daughter, Sasha, hoping the celebratory event would lift their spirits after escaping the war in their homeland. Instead, the day turned into a life-changing horror when former Royal Marine Paul Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy into the crowd of fans.
A total of 134 people were injured in the incident, including two babies and six children. Doyle, a father-of-three, later pleaded guilty to 31 charges, including dangerous driving and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
A Vehicle Used as a Weapon
Liverpool Crown Court heard distressing evidence, including dashcam footage from Doyle's own car. Prosecutors stated he was "prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm if necessary" to force his way through.
The footage captured Doyle shouting "move out the f****** way" and "it's a f*****g road" as he revved his engine. Judge Andrew Menary said Doyle had used his 1.9-tonne people carrier "as a weapon" in a fit of rage, determined to proceed regardless of the consequences.
Lasting Physical and Psychological Scars
For Anna Bilonozhenko, the attack left her with a fractured knee that required metal plates to be inserted. She now lives with constant pain and long-term mobility issues.
In a powerful victim impact statement, she said: "We came to this country because of the war in our homeland, hoping to finally feel safe. At first, we did. But now that feeling has been taken away. Realising that is deeply painful – it feels like losing our safety all over again."
She also described suffering from "extreme stress and anxiety", a trauma shared by her daughter Sasha, who was forced to act under extreme fear during the attack and now carries "enormous stress and emotional exhaustion".
On December 16, 2025, Paul Doyle was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. Judge Menary told him the truth of his violent actions had been captured on his own dashcam, concluding he had intended to cause serious harm to achieve his aim.
