Simon Nash, 52, Susan Passey, 77, Christine Seeckts, 66, and Ethan Gillard, 18, can finally be identified after judge lifts reporting restrictions
The four adult victims of the Liverpool victory parade car ramming can be named for the first time today after a judge lifted reporting restrictions – as shocked neighbours revealed the suspect was ‘just a normal person’ who walked his dog with his sons.
Paul Doyle, 53, is accused of the unlawful wounding with intent of Simon Nash, 52, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Susan Passey, 77, and Christine Seeckts, 66, and the attempted grievous bodily harm of Ethan Gillard, 18.
The former Royal Marine commando also faces charges relating to two children who cannot be named for legal reasons, after allegedly driving his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League triumph on Monday.
‘I thought it was him but didn’t believe it’
In an exclusive insight into the suspect’s quiet suburban life, one stunned neighbour told how police swarmed their West Derby street 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 revealed.
“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.”
A second neighbour described Doyle simply as “just a nice fella”, painting a picture starkly at odds with the man accused of deliberately ploughing into celebrating football fans.
Judge lifts gagging order
Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC today lifted restrictions that had prevented the media from naming the adult victims, ruling it was in the public interest for them to be identified.
The order, made under Section 46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, had been in place since Doyle’s first court appearance on Friday.
However, reporting restrictions remain in place for two child victims, with Doyle charged with another count of wounding with intent and a second count of attempted GBH relating to minors.
79 injured in horror scenes
The scale of the carnage became clear as police revealed 79 people were injured when Doyle allegedly followed an ambulance through a police cordon before accelerating into packed crowds on Water Street.
Victims ranged in age from just nine years old to 78, with seven people remaining in hospital in stable condition as recently as Thursday.
The incident shocked a city united in celebration, with thousands having gathered to watch their heroes parade the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus – the first title parade since 1990 after their 2020 success came during pandemic restrictions.
From decorated Marine to family man
Doyle’s background paints a complex picture of a man who served his country before building a seemingly ordinary family life in Liverpool’s suburbs.
His LinkedIn profile indicates he served as a Royal Marine Commando between 1990 and 1994 before transitioning to work in IT.
The father-of-three lived in a four-bedroom home with his teacher wife and their three sons, with social media showing the family enjoying holidays to Disneyland Florida, Dubai and various beach destinations.
Neighbours claimed his wife only discovered her husband’s alleged involvement when she saw their car on television news coverage.
‘Drove deliberately’ prosecutor claims
During Friday’s emotional court appearance, prosecutor Philip Astbury alleged Doyle had “driven deliberately” into the crowd and used his car as a “weapon.
The 53-year-old, wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, appeared visibly emotional as he was brought into Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, his face crumpling as he held back tears.
He spoke only in a croaky voice to confirm his name, date of birth and address, shaking his head at one point as the prosecutor addressed the court.
Seven charges including attempted GBH
Doyle faces a total of seven charges:
- Two counts of unlawful wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- Two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent
- One count of dangerous driving
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted, with Doyle remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14.
A provisional trial lasting three to four weeks has been scheduled for November 24.
Police quickly rule out terrorism
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims moved quickly to address community concerns, with police ruling out terrorism as a motive for the alleged attack.
“I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions,” she said.
“Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answer to all of those questions.”
Complex investigation continues
Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond revealed the scale of the investigation facing authorities.
Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence,” she said.
This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.
She added that charges would be kept under review as the investigation progresses.
Mental health questions raised
The case has prompted discussion about support for military veterans, with Doyle’s background as a Royal Marine commando raising questions about potential mental health issues.
While there is no official statement on his mental state, some reports suggest veterans can carry untreated trauma for years, with crowded public events potentially acting as triggers.
Psychologists note that conditions like PTSD can lead to irrational behaviour when individuals feel overwhelmed, though experts caution against speculation in this case.
City united in shock
The incident has left Liverpool reeling, transforming what should have been a day of celebration into one of tragedy and confusion.
For a city that had waited 30 years to celebrate a league title with a proper parade, the alleged attack has cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of pure joy.
As the legal process continues, questions remain about how a decorated former serviceman with no known criminal record could allegedly commit such an act, leaving a community searching for answers and 79 people nursing physical and psychological wounds from that fateful Monday evening.
