Paul Doyle jailed for at least 21 years for Liverpool FC parade attack | UK News

A man who used his car as a “weapon” to plough into more than 130 people at Liverpool FC’s victory parade has been jailed for 21 years and six months.

Paul Doyle, 54, drove at crowds “in a rage” after his “anger had completely taken hold of him” shortly before 18:00 BST on 26 May, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Judge Andrew Menary KC said the former Royal Marine, who stared straight ahead with no expression as he was sentenced, had generated “fear and panic” and his “disregard for human life defied ordinary understanding”.

Doyle admitted 31 charges including causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, and dangerous driving and affray, with victims aged between six months and 77 years.

Judge Menary told Doyle: “It is difficult, if not impossible, to convey in words alone the scene of devastation you caused.

“It shows you, quite deliberately, accelerating into groups of fans time and time again.

“You struck people head-on, knocked others onto the bonnet, drove over limbs, crushed prams and forced those nearby to scatter in terror.”

Judge Menary continued: “You ploughed on at speed and over a considerable distance, violently knocking people aside or simply driving over them – person, after person, after person.

“You accelerated forwards and backwards repeatedly, several victims became trapped beneath the vehicle as you continued to move it.

“Others were thrown into the air or propelled across the ground.”

He added Doyle acted in an “inexplicable and undiluted fury” when he ploughed into the crowds.

Doyle gave no reaction as he was taken down from the dock by prison officers.

Victims of the horrific rampage on Water Street in the city centre spoke of their terror and injuries during the two-day sentencing hearing.

Sheree Aldridge, 37, said she thought her baby son Teddy Eveson had died after his pram was thrown into the air after being hit by Doyle’s car, adding that she thought she would “be next”.

“I thought my children would grow up without a mother,” she said.