Driver That Ploughed Through LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of LFC supporters during a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident wept as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution stated the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Some at the scene believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.
In his police interview, the defendant claimed he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
The video indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.
