Driver Who Ploughed Through LFC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Hears.

A former Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club supporters at a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.

Victims of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors stated those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “expletives” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.

Scale of the Carnage

Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.

Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’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.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt 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”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

Footage showed the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.