A 53-year-old British man, Paul Doyle, appeared in court on Friday in Liverpool, charged with multiple offenses after allegedly driving his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title victory. Doyle, a father of three and a former Royal Marine, was visibly emotional as he confirmed his identity at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
He faces seven charges, including dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm with intent, related to the injuries of 79 people, four of whom were children, one as young as nine. At least 50 people required hospitalization following the incident, which occurred on Water Street during the victory parade on Monday evening.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Philip Astbury stated that Doyle deliberately drove his vehicle into the densely packed crowd near the conclusion of the celebratory event. A judge has set a provisional trial date for November 24, with a plea hearing to occur on August 14.
Doyle is currently held in custody until that date, and further investigations may lead to additional charges, as the police continue to review extensive evidence, including video footage and witness testimonies. Public records show that he was previously director of a small retail company that closed in 2020, and he is noted to have served in the British Navy’s elite Royal Marines commando unit. Sarah Hammond, the regional chief prosecutor, emphasized that the ongoing investigation could yield further developments as they examine the case.
