Key Takeaways
- Paul Doyle, 54, has pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, after driving his car into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans celebrating the team’s Premier League title win.
- More than 50 people were hospitalized, including children, and 134 people were injured in the incident, which was described as a "sickening" and "terrifying" attack.
- Victims have spoken about their trauma, anxiety, and physical injuries, with some saying they have been diagnosed with PTSD and are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident.
- Doyle is due to be sentenced and has been warned that he faces a lengthy prison sentence for his actions.
Introduction to the Incident
The court heard that Paul Doyle, 54, had deliberately driven his car into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans celebrating the team’s Premier League title win on May 26. The incident, which was caught on dashcam footage, showed Doyle’s Ford Galaxy striking over 100 fans, including children, in just seven minutes. Doyle had pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. The prosecution described the incident as a "sickening" and "terrifying" attack, and warned that Doyle had used his car as a "weapon" to plough through the crowd.
Victim Impact Statements
The court heard a number of victim impact statements, including from a woman who was with her baby when the incident occurred. She said she repeatedly relives the "moment of the collision" and is haunted by the image of her pram being struck by Doyle’s car. She added that she has been diagnosed with PTSD and suffers from anxiety and physical symptoms, including dizziness and a racing heart. Another victim, Emily Wright, 29, said she has been diagnosed with PTSD and suffers from persistent symptoms that affect her day-to-day functioning. She added that even hearing the Liverpool accent can trigger anxiety and physical symptoms, as it reminds her of the incident.
Doyle’s Actions
The prosecution said that Doyle had deliberately driven his car into the crowd, intending to cause people serious harm. He had been in Liverpool to collect a friend and his family from the celebrations, but became enraged when he was unable to get through the crowds. Doyle’s actions were described as a "rage" and he was said to have been prepared to cause serious harm to anyone in his way, including children. The dashcam footage showed Doyle screaming "fucking hell, move!" as he accelerated into the crowds, striking bodies and sending people spinning through the air.
Sentencing
Doyle is due to be sentenced and faces a lengthy prison sentence for his actions. The prosecution warned that Doyle’s actions were "sickening" and "terrifying" and that he had shown no regard for the safety of others. The court heard that Doyle had pleaded guilty to the offences, but the prosecution said that this did not diminish the severity of his actions. The sentencing hearing is expected to continue, with further victim impact statements to be read out before Doyle is sentenced.
Conclusion
The incident has had a profound impact on the victims and their families, with many struggling to cope with the aftermath of the attack. The court heard that the victims have been left with physical and emotional scars, and that some have been diagnosed with PTSD. Doyle’s actions have been described as "sickening" and "terrifying" and he faces a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. The sentencing hearing is a reminder of the devastating consequences of Doyle’s actions and the need for justice to be served.
