Driver That Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Hears.

A former Royal Marine acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.

Victims in the incident cried as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”

The 54-year-old defendant is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 21 adults and eight children.

‘Consumed by Anger’

The prosecution stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.

The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

Overall, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.

During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

The video showed Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.