A former Royal Marine Commando cried as he appeared before a court on video link accused of deliberately driving into crowds of fans during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, sobbed “Yes I am” when asked his name during a scheduled plea hearing over the series of alleged offences after a car was driven into crowds during the Reds’ Premier League title celebrations in Liverpool city centre on May 26th.
Merseyside Police said 134 pedestrians, ranging from children aged as young as nine to a 78-year-old, were injured after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street, in Liverpool, shortly after 6pm that Monday, with 50 having required hospital treatment. All have since been discharged from hospital. Almost a million jubilant Liverpool fans packed the city centre for the Liverpool winning parade and lined the 10-mile route before the horror happened.
Married father-of-three Doyle’s case was adjourned after defence barrister Simon Ckoska KC revealed they had only just received witness statements from the prosecution and their client had not had time to read them.
Appearing via video-ling the businessman, wearing a grey t-shirt, sporting short cropped hair, repeatedly wiped his eyes whilst waiting for the hearing to begin.
He could then be heard crying when asked to confirm his name.
During the hearing before The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC he occasionally put on his glasses to make notes with a pen and paper while appearing via video link from an undisclosed prison.
The judge further remanded him into custody until a plea and trial management hearing on Thursday September 4.
Doyle, of Burghill Road, West Derby, Merseyside, faces a further 24 charges relating to the incident after previously facing seven charges.
Those seven charges are dangerous driving; wounding 52 year-old Simon Nash with intent; wounding an 11 year-old boy with intent; GBH with intent on 77 year-old Susan Passey; GBH with intent on 66 year-old Christine Seeckts; attempted GBH with intent on 18 year-old Ethan Gillard and attempted GBH with intent on a 17-year-old boy.
The Crown Prosecution Service previously said the charges against Doyle would be kept “under review as the investigation progresses”.
In May, as he stood in the glass-panelled Liverpool magistrates Court dock looking ashen-faced, Doyle shook his head in the dock as a court heard he used a car “as a weapon” to mow down the Liverpool FC fans at their victory parade.
Doyle’s trial remains currently remains listed for between three to four weeks at Liverpool Crown Court, starting in November 2025.
