A man has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for deliberately driving into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during the club’s Premier League title parade, resulting in significant injuries to over 130 individuals. Paul Doyle, 54, from West Derby, displayed no remorse as he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court, where Judge Andrew Menary described the evidence against him as “overwhelming” and the incident as “truly shocking.”
Doyle’s reckless actions on May 26 resulted in injuries to people ranging from a six-month-old baby to a 78-year-old woman. On that day, he drove his Ford Galaxy into a crowd that had gathered in Liverpool city center to celebrate their team’s victory, exhibiting a deliberate disregard for the safety of those present. The prosecution outlined that his car was used as a weapon as he accelerated down a street closed to traffic, causing chaos as he crashed into multiple individuals, including children.
After the incident, four people, including an 11-year-old child, were trapped under his vehicle until heroic efforts from bystanders and emergency services managed to free them. In a shocking display of aggression recorded on dashcam and CCTV footage, Doyle shouted profanities, demanding people move out of the way as he drove into the crowd.
In a moment of accountability, Doyle changed his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial after initially fighting the charges. He was found guilty of 31 offenses, which included 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, among others. This change comes after he tearfully acknowledged the gravity of his actions and accepted full responsibility for the chaos he caused.
Despite a past riddled with criminal convictions, including a history of violent behavior, Doyle’s act of aggression during the parade left many victims with long-lasting physical and emotional scars. Victims expressed their ongoing struggles with anxiety, nightmares, and even PTSD in court, vividly recounting their terrifying experiences.
Character witnesses described Doyle as a “kind” and “selfless” man, suggesting this act was out of character for him. Still, the court emphasized the need for accountability given the horrific impact on the community and those injured.
While the sentencing cannot erase the trauma inflicted upon the victims, it serves to underscore the importance of safety and responsibility in public events. The community hopes that this outcome helps heal the wounds suffered by victims and their families while sending a strong message about the consequences of reckless driving.