A former Royal Marine commando accused of using his car as a “weapon” to deliberately plough into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League triumph has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges relating to 134 injured victims, including two babies aged just six and seven months.
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared via videolink from prison at Liverpool Crown Court today, denying all charges including dangerous driving, affray, 18 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and two counts of wounding with intent.
The father-of-three from Croxteth, Liverpool, is accused of driving his dark grey Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds of football fans on Water Street on 26 May 2025, just after 6pm, as approximately one million supporters celebrated the club’s record-equalling 20th league title.
Crown prosecutor Philip Astbury told an earlier hearing that Doyle had “driven deliberately” into the crowd and allegedly used his vehicle as a “weapon” in what became one of Liverpool’s worst mass casualty incidents.
The court heard how six of the charges relate to children, including a six-month-old baby, a seven-month-old infant, and victims aged 11 and 17, with the oldest casualty being 77 years old.
Dramatic mobile phone footage captured the moment Doyle’s Ford Galaxy suddenly appeared on Water Street, having followed an ambulance through the security cordon as medics responded to reports of a suspected heart attack.
“This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us,” witness Harry Rashid told PA Media. “It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.”
The vehicle initially struck multiple pedestrians before coming to a stop, prompting fearless fans to rush over and begin smashing the windows in an attempt to drag the driver out.
The car then lurched forward again, sending more pedestrians scattering before finally coming to a standstill with four people trapped underneath, including a child.
Nick Searle, Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed crews worked frantically to free three adults and one child who were pinned beneath the vehicle.
Doyle, described in court documents as a former Royal Marine commando turned businessman who ran now-dissolved retail companies, was detained at the scene as chaos unfolded during what should have been a joyous celebration.
Neighbours in his quiet West Derby suburb told reporters his teacher wife only discovered her husband’s alleged involvement when she saw their car on television news coverage.
The defendant, who has previously competed in triathlons and enjoyed luxury family holidays to destinations including Disneyland Florida and Dubai, showed no emotion as he entered not guilty pleas to all 31 charges during today’s hearing.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the incident at the time, stating: “The scenes in Liverpool are appalling – my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
Liverpool FC’s victory parade marked the first time since 1990 that fans could publicly celebrate a league title win with a parade, after COVID-19 restrictions prevented celebrations following their 2020 triumph.
The open-top bus had completed its 10-mile route from Allerton Maze and was nearing The Strand when the incident occurred, just 10 minutes after passing through the area.
Merseyside Police quickly ruled out terrorism as a motive, with Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims describing it as an “isolated incident” whilst urging the public not to speculate on social media.
Initial reports suggested 79 people were injured, but prosecutors have now confirmed 134 casualties, with victims including nationals from Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco and Cape Verde.
St John Ambulance, who were providing event cover with 12 emergency ambulances, worked alongside North West Ambulance Service to treat the injured, with 27 taken to hospital including four children.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill revealed that Doyle was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs.
The court heard that CCTV footage from across Liverpool was being analysed to trace the Ford Galaxy’s movements before the incident.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk posted on social media: “My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You’ll never walk alone.”
Doyle was remanded in custody to next appear for trial on 24 November 2025, with proceedings expected to last three to four weeks.
Judge Andrew Menary KC warned that extensive evidence, including “multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements”, would be presented during what promises to be a complex trial.
The incident cast a dark shadow over what Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram described as “a very joyous day” for the city, which had seen supporters line the streets in their hundreds of thousands.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, emphasised the investigation’s complexity: “It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.”
Doyle’s LinkedIn profile indicates he transitioned from military service to work in IT, though Companies House records show several dissolved retail businesses registered under his name.
The tragedy has renewed focus on crowd safety at major public events, with questions raised about how the vehicle was able to breach the security cordon despite what police described as a “robust traffic management plan.
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