More than 100 pedestrians, aged between six months and 78, were injured when a car was driven into crowds of fans in Liverpool city centre
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Paul Doyle, 53, appearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody
Court artist sketch of Paul Doyle from an earlier appearance
(Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)
Liverpool FC parade suspect Paul Doyle has denied a series of alleged offences. The 53-year-old, of Burghill Road in West Derby, faces a total of 31 charges after a car was driven into crowds of fans during the Reds’ Premier League title celebrations in Liverpool city centre.
More than 100 pedestrians, ranging from children to a 78-year-old woman, were injured after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street shortly after 6pm on Monday, May 26, with 50 having required hospital treatment. They have since been discharged from hospital.
Doyle was brought before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Thursday, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Appearing via video link to HMP Belmarsh, he spoke to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to all of the counts on the indictment.
Wearing a grey prison issue jumper and glasses with his dark hair slicked back, he was seen shaking his head at times as the charges were put to him.
Later in the hearing, he removed his glasses and put his head in his hands while appearing to be in tears.
Doyle, who was also seen making notes with a pen and paper, was further remanded into custody ahead of his trial, which is due to last three to four weeks and scheduled to begin on November 25 this year. A pre-trial review will take place on October 27.
Adjourning the case, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: "I have made a number of orders today. The next date so far as you are concerned is the 27th of October. Again, you will appear remotely for that hearing. That concludes this hearing."
The counts Doyle faces include 18 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
The complainants in these matters have been named as boys and girls aged six months, who the press are able to name as Teddy Eveson, 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 Dettlaff, David Price, James Weston and Ethan Gillard.
Doyle, who was represented by Simon Csoka KC, is further charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent against 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 finally faces alleged offences of wounding with intent against Simon Nash and Robin Darke, as well as matters of affray and dangerous driving.
The courtroom was full of members of the media, who sat on the jury benches as well as the usual press box.
There were also around 10 members of public and the same number of police officers in court.