Driver That Drove Through LFC Parade Described as ‘In a Rage’, Court Told.
A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he drove into scores of LFC supporters at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
“The video is deeply disturbing.”
Victims in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.
‘A Man in a Rage’
Prosecutors stated the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three 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.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
A supporter, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
Doyle was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror
Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere 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.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”
Brave Intervention Stops Driver
As bodies lay on the ground, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”
Reckless Behavior Before the Attack
The video showed the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
