Man That Drove Into Liverpool FC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.

A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.

Victims of Paul Doyle wept as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start 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 large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “expletives” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “terror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

The video showed Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.