According to media reports, at the sentencing hearing held at Liverpool Crown Court, shocking details of the violent hit-and-run incident during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade in May this year were made public.
Prosecutors stated that the offending driver, Paul Doyle, crashed into more than 100 fans simply because he lost his temper while rushing to his destination to pick someone up. In his anger, he turned the two-ton Ford vehicle into a weapon, intending to cause serious harm to the crowd.
The 54-year-old Doyle had previously admitted to a total of 31 charges, including dangerous driving, intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and affray. Dashboard camera footage played during the trial recreated the tragedy that occurred between 5:59 PM and 6:01 PM.
The video showed Doyle ignoring traffic control measures on Dale Street and forcing his way into a closed lane filled with celebrating crowds. During the collision, he not only did not slow down but also shouted abuse at passers-by who were panicking to escape, yelling “Bloody idiots” and “Get out of my way”. The footage even captured the terrifying moments when the windshield shattered due to the impact and a child was dragged under the car.
The incident left multiple people injured, including a 6-month-old baby named Teddy Everson. Prosecutors emphasized that Doyle’s actions turned what should have been a joyful celebration day into an accident scene.
In court, facing the tragedy he had caused, Doyle, dressed in a black suit, bowed his head and cried. The victims present in the courtroom also couldn’t hold back their sorrow and wept.
