Driver That Ploughed Through LFC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into dozens of LFC fans during a victory parade, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The video was truly shocking.”
Victims in the incident cried as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”
The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
In total, the ex-marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.
One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.
The defendant could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses thought that what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.
In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
