Everything that happened during Paul Doyle's court appearance - and what's next
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today charged with seven offences after a car ploughed into crowds in the city centre leaving 79 people injured
Alleged Liverpool driver faces charges against six victims after 79 injured
A trial date has been set for the man accused of driving a car into a crowd of people during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street, based in the city centre, on Monday.
The incident resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The ages of the victims ranged from nine to 78 years old. Seven are still hospitalised but are reported to be in a stable condition and believed to be recovering well. Here., the Mirror looks at what happened during Doyle's first appearance in the dock - and what is likely to happen next.
What happened in court today?
Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building.
Judge Menary said: 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.'
Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Mr Astbury was speaking.
Courtroom sketches from this morning showed Doyle spotted hanging his head down in the court.
What are the charges he faces?
He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17.
Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street.
What was Paul Doyle's plea?
Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody.
On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'.
What do we know about him?
Doyle is said to have been married to his wife for 20 years, with whom he has children. The family reportedly live in a £300,000 four-bedroom detached home on an estate. Photos on social media depict the family enjoying various holidays, including trips to Disneyland, Florida, Dubai and beach getaways.
It remains unclear exactly what Doyle does for work, but he is said to have had various management roles as a network security consultant, including one at an NHS Trust.. His LinkedIn page indicates that he is a former Royal Marine Commando and is now believed to work in cybersecurity.
Following news of his arrest and identity, locals have since spoken out and described Doyle as a "nice guy" and a "family man". Stunned residents in the quiet cul-de-sac where the alleged driver lives told the Mirror: "It just doesn't make sense."
The neighbour continued: 'It seems completely out of character. They are such a nice family... [He] is a fantastic guy. He came over to help us when our alarm went off once, and then did the same for our immediate neighbours too.
"It doesn't feel right. They are lovely. The whole thing is so sad - for his wife and children and also for the people who were injured.'
What's likely to happen next?
Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14.
Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for November 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks.
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