Paul Doyle, 53, of West Derby, Liverpool, has appeared at the city’s Magistrates’ Court having been accused of ploughing a car into a crowd gathered for Liverpool’s victory parade
A man accused of using his car as a “weapon” and ramming a car into crowds at the Liverpool victory parade injuring nearly 80 people has appeared in court.
Paul Doyle, 53, of West Derby, Liverpool, is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving when he allegedly ploughed into football fans celebrating Liverpool FC’s title win. A wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge relate to a child. The ages of those injured ranged from nine to 78 and all 79 are British.
Doyle was arrested by police following the shocking scenes on Monday and today appeared tearful as he entered Liverpool Magistrates’ Court escorted by two female custody officers . He was wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, with his hair dishevelled and spent the majority of the hearing with his head bowed, staring at the floor.
He looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom as he was brought in from the cells, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. District Judge Paul Healey asked for the defendant to identify himself and in a croaky voice, Doyle confirmed his name, gave his date of birth and address in Liverpool.
District judge Healey said there were real prospects of further charges, adding he was satisfied this was an “exceptional case” that “shocked and outraged” the people of Liverpool and beyond. He granted the prosecution’s request for orders protecting the identities of the six complainants.
Doyle shook his head in the dock as the prosecutor told the judge he drove “deliberately at the crowd” and “used his vehicle as a weapon”.
Doyle was remanded in custody and there will be a further hearing later today at Liverpool Crown Court.
Police named the dad-of-three as the suspect on Thursday when he was charged after detectives were given more time to quiz him over the incident. Officers have been seen stationed outside his family home where Doyle lives with his wife and their three sons. Loved-up pictures on social media show the family enjoying various holidays including Disneyland Florida, Dubai and at the beach.
The most recent update by Merseyside Police said seven people were still recovering in hospital after horrific clips showed a Ford Galaxy people carrier mowing down crowds just after the parade finished around 6pm. On Wednesday afternoon the force stated the total number injured was now at 79, but more people had been discharged from hospital. Casualties’ ages range between 9 and 78 years old.
It remains unclear exactly what Doyle does for work, with a number of dissolved retail companies listed under his name on Companies House. His LinkedIn page says he is a former Royal Marine Commando and now works in IT.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept “under review as the investigation progresses”.
During a press conference on Thursday evening outlining the charges, Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said that the force’s “thoughts remain with all those injured and affected by this appalling incident” She added: “I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions. Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism to seek the answer to all of those questions. When we are able to we will provide further information.”