15 hours ago
2
A man accused of injuring more than 100 people by driving his car into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool's Premier League championship dramatically changed his plea to guilty as his trial got underway on Wednesday.
Paul Doyle, 54, has pleaded guilty to 31 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, attempting to cause GBH, dangerous driving, and affray. The charges relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years old.
The incident occurred as more than a million Liverpool fans gathered in the city center to celebrate the team's Premier League title glory. Harrowing footage quickly circulated on social media showing a car driving through the crowd.
But just before the trial began on Wednesday, Doyle changed his plea to guilty. He will be sentenced on December 15 and 16, 2025.
Doyle has been further remanded in custody.
More than 100 people reported injuries after a Ford Galaxy drove into a street packed full of joyous fans celebrating Liverpool's soccer team winning the Premier League title on May 26.
Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: "It is hard to forget the shocking scenes from that day. What should have been a day of celebration for the city turned into a distressing and frightening experience, which we know continues to have a physical and psychological impact on many people.
"Thousands of people had gathered in the city to watch the Liverpool FC parade, and it is only by sheer luck that nobody was killed because of Doyle’s reckless actions. His driving, even before he reached Dale Street, was aggressive and dangerous, and he was seen to undertake vehicles, jump lanes and run through a red light.
"Doyle circumvented the traffic system put in place by the event managers, Liverpool City Council, and swore at fans before ploughing into them as they tried to make their way out of Dale Street and Water Street.
"In just seven minutes, his dangerous driving meant that his car collided with more than 100 people, including children, in some cases trapping people underneath and causing serious injuries.
“The exceptional work of the emergency services, including police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the North West Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard, should be recognised as they came to the aid of victims, extracting four people from underneath Doyle’s car and treating a number of others.
“We know that a lot of people are still recovering from the injuries they suffered on that day, and our thoughts remain with them and those that continue to be affected.
“Doyle was quickly apprehended by officers at the scene and has been in custody since, and we have been working closely with our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of the trial. I would also like to acknowledge the mutual aid assistance we have received from neighbouring police forces during this investigation.
"Doyle has today pleaded guilty to all offences and will now be sentenced on 15 and 16 December. We hope that the knowledge Doyle is now facing a considerable prison sentence will be able to help those affected to move on with their lives."
English (US) ·