Paul Doyle, 53, appeared to crumble as charges including GBH with intent were read out after horror rampage left 79 injured including nine-year-old child
Paul Doyle ‘on the verge of tears’ in court as he’s accused of driving into Liverpool fans – the man who has been accused of ‘using his car as a weapon’ as he ploughed through Liverpool fans appeared emotional as the charges were read out to him.
Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, faces charges including dangerous driving and GBH after dozens of fans were struck while celebrating the Premier League title win.
The former Royal Marine and dad-of-three looked to be holding back tears when he spoke to briefly confirm his name and address at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning.
‘Used vehicle as weapon’
Phil Astbury, prosecuting, told the court Doyle ‘used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure victims’ during the horrific incident that marred Liverpool’s Premier League victory celebrations.
The 53-year-old, wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, looked emotional as he came into the courtroom at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning. He looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom as he was brought in from the cells, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears.
District Judge Paul Healey asked the defendant to identify himself and in a croaky voice, Doyle confirmed his name and gave his date of birth and address in Liverpool.
Seven serious charges
The father-of-three faces an extraordinary seven charges following the incident on Water Street on Monday evening that left 79 people injured:
- Two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent
- Two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent
- One count of dangerous driving
The charges carry potential sentences that could see Doyle facing decades behind bars if convicted.
Horror at victory parade
The shocking incident unfolded just after 6pm on Monday as hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans celebrated their team’s record-equalling 20th Premier League title in the city centre.
The city had been celebrating Liverpool’s record-tying 20th title when the driver turned down a street full of fans and joy quickly turned to tragedy. Police said they believed Doyle dodged a road block by tailing an ambulance responding to a report of a person in cardiac arrest.
Eyewitness video showed scenes of horror as the car struck and tossed a person in the air who was draped in a Liverpool flag. The car then swerved into a sea of people packed on the side of the road.
Victims aged 9 to 78
In a devastating revelation, Merseyside Police confirmed on Thursday that the youngest person injured was just nine years old, while the oldest victim was 78.
A total of 79 people were injured in the collision, with at least 50 requiring hospital treatment. Seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition, receiving expert care from NHS staff.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “I hope that all of those who were injured, or witnessed this terrible incident are able – given time – to heal and recover.”
From Royal Marine to defendant
According to his LinkedIn profile, Doyle served in the Royal Marines during the 1990s before studying psychology and maths at a Russell Group university. He later held management roles in network security, including a long-term position at an NHS Trust, and previously ran several businesses.
The former commando now works in cyber security and lives with his wife and three teenage children in a four-bedroom detached home worth around £300,000 in West Derby.
Social media posts show that Doyle is a keen runner and sports enthusiast. He and his wife have been married for 20 years and have frequently shared photos of family holidays abroad.
Neighbour’s shock
One of Doyle’s neighbours told the BBC they were stunned when police swarmed the area on Monday night.
I came out late on Monday night and there’s police everywhere. Looking around all the houses, so I had a thought – imagine if it was him?” the neighbour said.
“I thought it was him but I didn’t believe that it was. I see him all the time walking up and down with his two sons and his dog. He’s just a normal person.”
PM visits Liverpool
The gravity of the incident was underscored when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Liverpool on Wednesday to meet with police chiefs about the tragedy.
He told the meeting: “The scenes on Monday were just awful, to see how incredible joy at an amazing achievement turned to horror in a moment.”
The Prime Minister met with Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
Huge investigation underway
Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond revealed the scale of the investigation, saying: “Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence.
This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.
Some of that video was shared on social media minutes after the vehicle struck the crowd, showing angry fans kicking the vehicle and trying to tear open the doors to get at the driver.
Not terror-related
Merseyside Police have confirmed they do not believe the incident was terror-related and that Doyle is believed to have acted alone.
The force described him as “white, British and from the Liverpool area” but have not revealed any potential motive for the alleged attack.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answer to all of those questions.”
Next court date
Doyle was not asked to enter a plea to any of the seven charges and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance on August 14.
The charges will be kept under review as the investigation progresses, with prosecutors warning that additional charges could be brought as more evidence emerges.
The case has sent shockwaves through Liverpool, transforming what should have been a day of pure celebration into one of the darkest days in the city’s recent history.
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