Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.

A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he drove into scores of LFC fans during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.

Victims of Paul Doyle cried while video from the car’s camera showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘A Man in a Rage’

Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Scale of the Carnage

In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

In his police interview, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

The defendant is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.