Driver Who Drove Through LFC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.

A former Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down scores of LFC fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.

“The video is deeply disturbing.”

Victims of Paul Doyle wept as dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Scale of the Carnage

Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration on his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.

The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “terror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.

“Some at the scene believed what was taking place was a terrorist attack.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

The video showed the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.

Elizabeth Golden
Elizabeth Golden

Elara is a seasoned sports analyst with a passion for data-driven betting strategies and a knack for uncovering hidden trends.