Man That Ploughed Through LFC Parade Described as ‘Consumed by Rage’, Trial Told.

An ex- Royal Marine was a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into scores of LFC fans at a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

“The video is deeply disturbing.”

Victims in the incident cried as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘Consumed by Anger’

Prosecutors stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the parent shouting “expletives” and “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, accelerating as people collided with his car.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the ex-marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.

One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, it was said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Some at the scene believed the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated the driver was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He disregarded traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.

Kathy Elliott
Kathy Elliott

A digital strategist and content creator passionate about blending creativity with technology to drive impactful online experiences.