Ex-Marine sobs as he appears in court accused of mowing down crowd in Liverpool parade rampage – as more charges added

The Irish Sun

9 hours ago

PARADE HORROR Ex-Marine sobs as he appears in court accused of mowing down crowd in Liverpool parade rampage – as more charges added
A FORMER Marine sobbed as he appeared in court today accused of using his car as a "weapon" to mow down crowds at the Liverpool victory parade.
Paul Doyle was held after 134 people including a six-month-old baby were injured in the horror on May 26.
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Paul Doyle has appeared in court charged over the Liverpool crash rampage
Credit: Facebook
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Footage showed the car driving through a crowd
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Police swooped on the vehicle as the crowds were scattered
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Police confirmed 134 people were injured in the horror
Credit: PA
The 53-year-old is accused of dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Doyle, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, is also charged with wounding with intent to cause GBH and attempted GBH.
The dad-of-three appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where wept throughout proceedings.
He was due to enter a plea but the judge adjourned the case until September 4 after more charges were added to the indictment.
Reporting restrictions were added on some of the complainants, who are aged six months, ten, 12, 13 and 17.
The court heard previously Doyle had "driven deliberately" into the crowd of football fans and allegedly used his car as a "weapon".
Merseyside Police previously out terrorism as a possible motive for the alleged attack.
Doyle was a Royal Marine commando but is now understood to be a businessman who ran a now-dissolved firm.
He has previously competed in triathlons and enjoyed luxury holidays.
Neighbours in his quiet suburb claimed his wife only found out about the crash when she saw the car on the news.
The carnage unfolded as thousands of Liverpool fans packed the streets to watch the title winners parade the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus.
It was the first time since 1990 that fans could celebrate a title win with a parade after their 2020 success came during the pandemic.
But the festivities quickly turned to horror when a dark grey Ford Galaxy suddenly appeared in Water Street.
Merseyside Police confirmed the car had followed an ambulance beyond the cordon as medics were called to help a member of the public having a suspected heart attack.
Mobile phone footage showed it ploughing into the crowd as screams were heard.
It then came to a stop as fearless fans rushed over in a bid to drag the driver from the car.
But the vehicle then lurched forward again - sending pedestrians scattering before finally coming to a standstill.
Fire crews arrived to find four people trapped under the vehicle, including a child, and worked quickly to free them.
Sir Keir Starmer released a statement at the time, saying: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling - my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
"I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.
"I'm being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate."
While Liverpool FC said: "We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.
"We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident."
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The dad is a former Royal Marine
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Thousands had flooded the streets when the horror unfolded
Credit: PA