Trial date set for man accused of driving car through Liverpool fans at parade

Paul Doyle was noticeably absent from court during Tuesday's preliminary hearing ahead of the Liverpool FC parade trial. The 53-year-old, residing at Burghill Road in West Derby, is facing a series of alleged offences following an incident where a car ploughed into crowds of fans during the Reds' Premier League title celebrations in Liverpool city centre.

Over 100 pedestrians, including babies, children, and a 78-year-old woman, were injured after being hit by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street just after 6 p.m. local time on May 26, with 50 needing hospital treatment. They have since been discharged from the hospital.

Doyle's case was scheduled for a mention hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday afternoon. He wasn't required to attend Courtroom 41 and was not present, neither in person nor via video link, as procedural and legal matters were discussed with counsel. He has previously pleaded not guilty.

His trial is set to commence next week on Tuesday, 25 November, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC adjourned the case until this date at the end of the 45-minute hearing.

The total of 31 counts he faces includes 18 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

The complainants in these cases have been identified as six-month-old Teddy Eveson, other boys and girls aged seven months, 10, 13, 17, as well as adults Jack Trotter, Jon Evans, Scott Dolan, Jacqueline McClaren, Jamie Fagan, Carl Martin, James Vernon, Emily Wright, Hannah O'Neill, Stefan Dettlaf, David Price, James Weston and Ethan Gillard.

Further charges allege that he intentionally caused grievous bodily harm to an 11-year-old boy, a 12-year-old child, a 17-year-old boy, Helen Gilmore, Anna Bilonozhenko, Sheree Aldridge, Sam Alexander, Christine Seeckts, and Susan Passey.

He also faces alleged offences of wounding with intent against Simon Nash and Robin Darke, as well as charges of affray and dangerous driving.

Doyle previously entered a plea of not guilty to these charges during a plea and trial preparation hearing in September.

His trial is expected to last between three to four weeks.

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