A former Royal Marine Commando has pleaded not guilty to a string of serious offences after allegedly driving into crowds during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade.
Paul Doyle, 53, is accused of deliberately using his vehicle as a weapon when he struck dozens of people with a Ford Galaxy in Liverpool city centre on 26 May. The incident occurred on Water Street, where fans had gathered to celebrate the club’s title triumph.
More than 130 people were injured in the chaos, including eight children. Two babies were among the 29 named victims in the charges, with the youngest just six months old. The oldest is reported to be 77.
“Not Guilty” Plea Entered on All Counts
Appearing via videolink from prison at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, Liverpool, responded “not guilty” to each of the 31 charges read out to him.
He faces a catalogue of accusations, including:
- Dangerous driving
- Affray
- 18 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent
- Nine counts of causing GBH with intent
- Two counts of wounding with intent
The shocking moment turned a day of celebration into a scene of panic and injury. As confetti rained down and chants echoed through the streets, the joy was cut short when a car tore into the crowd, leaving dozens hurt and a city in disbelief.
Mr Doyle’s legal team voiced frustration in court, claiming persistent obstacles in preparing his defence.
Simon Csoka KC, defending, said: “The system just isn’t working.”
He told the court that Belmarsh Prison, where Mr Doyle is currently held, had failed to provide access to vital case materials. The defence team had reportedly been waiting weeks for in-person visits or even basic videolink conferences.
Adding to the concern, Mr Csoka said Mr Doyle had yet to receive a laptop to review digital evidence, including CCTV footage, despite repeated requests.
The prison’s stance was described as “incomprehensible,” with Mr Csoka condemning the “impenetrable red tape” faced by the defence.
At the hearing, Mr Doyle, dressed in a grey t-shirt and alone in a videolink booth, was visibly upset and brushed away tears while the facts were read out in court.
City Centre Crash Still in the Spotlight
The smash caused shockwaves across the city, with passersby and emergency responders racing to assist the wounded. Witnesses recalled scenes of panic and disarray as the car tore through the packed crowd.
They launched a wide-scale inquiry soon after the incident, trawling CCTV and taking in hundreds of statements. The seriousness of the charges is indicative of the size of the damage and trauma inflicted on the day.
The case is set to resume later this year, with prosecution and defence now in a squeeze to sort out issues of access and prepare Mr Doyle to read through the evidence against him.
The Crown Prosecution Service has not issued a statement yet. Nevertheless, based on the extent of the victims and the seriousness of the accusations, the case is being watched by legal professionals as well as the public.
