Man That Drove Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down dozens of LFC fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The footage is deeply disturbing.”
Those injured in the incident cried while video from the car’s camera 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 will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut on his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.
“Witnesses believed the events unfolding 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, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, Doyle stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage showed Doyle “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 as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
Footage showed Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.
The defendant is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
