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A man who used his car to violently attack over 100 people during Liverpool’s victory parade claimed to police that his actions stemmed from fear and panic, according to court testimony. However, prosecutors argued these statements were false and insisted that Paul Doyle simply lost his temper, recklessly driving into crowds in a fit of rage amid the celebrations.
Earlier at Liverpool Crown Court, several victims shared harrowing accounts of the chaos and injuries they endured during the incident on 26 May in Water Street. Among them was Sheree Aldridge, 37, who described the terrifying moment when her baby son, Teddy Eveson, was thrown into the air after his pram was struck by Doyle’s vehicle. She feared Teddy had been killed and recalled thinking she might be the next victim, overwhelmed by pain and fear.
The courtroom heard multiple victim impact statements, highlighting not only physical injuries but also the emotional trauma and ongoing psychological effects resulting from the attack. A 12-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to legal protections, recounted the terror he experienced after being hit by the car without warning. His mother described the horror of seeing her son lying motionless on the ground, an image and sounds that would remain with her forever.
Captured on CCTV and dashcam footage shown during the trial, Doyle’s erratic driving provoked a sense of fury and loss of control. Paul Greaney KC, the prosecuting counsel, described Doyle as a “man out of control,” illustrating moments when the driver shouted and swore at the crowd, including after hitting a 10-year-old girl. Doyle, a former Royal Marine from Croxteth, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges including dangerous driving, affray, and grievous bodily harm with intent. Prosecutors revealed how, in just two minutes, Doyle used his car as a weapon against unsuspecting supporters, causing severe harm to many. During the hearing, Doyle was seen crying as distressing footage was played.
Paul Greaney portrayed Doyle’s conduct as driven by a loss of temper and a selfish determination to get through the crowd at all costs. “The truth is a simple one. Paul Doyle just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted,” the counsel told the court. Doyle’s disregard for the safety of others was evident in his repeated driving into people, including children, in order to push forward. When arrested, Doyle reportedly admitted to police, “I’ve just ruined my family’s life,” acknowledging the gravity of his actions.
The court also heard about the heroic intervention of Daniel Barr, a bystander who leapt into the back of Doyle’s car to stop it by shifting its gear into park. Barr acted quickly as the vehicle continued to accelerate, pushing through the crowd and causing serious harm. Despite Barr’s efforts, witnesses supported the claim that Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator well after the car was stopped. The sentencing hearing will proceed further on Tuesday morning
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