Driver Who Ploughed Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.

A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he mowed down dozens of LFC supporters during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

Those injured of Paul Doyle wept while video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘A Man in a Rage’

Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three shouting “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Scale of the Carnage

In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.

Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Speaking to a full court, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed 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 in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

The video showed Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, 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.