The 53-year-old appeared to be in tears as he denied 31 alleged offences at his plea hearing
Court sketch of Paul Doyle at an earlier hearing
Court sketch of Paul Doyle at an earlier hearing(Image: PA)
The trial of Liverpool FC parade suspect Paul Doyle has been briefly delayed by a day. 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 only to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to all of the counts on the indictment.
He had previously been due to face a trial, lasting three to four weeks, before the same court from November 25 this year. But presiding judge, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC, told today's plea hearing how there would be a slight change to the schedule.
The judge said: "The trial is currently listed to start on the 24th November. Unfortunately I am going to have to push it back a day to the 25th."
Doyle appeared in court 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.
He removed his glasses and put his head in his hands and appeared to be in tears later in the hearing.
Doyle, who was also seen making notes with a pen and paper, was further remanded into custody ahead of his trial. A pre-trial review will take place on October 27.
Judge Menary 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 with one aged six months, who the press are able to name as Teddy Eveson, four other children 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 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 the public and the same number of police officers in court.
Paul Doyle
Paul Doyle is due to appear in court today
Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle is expected to enter pleas to a series of alleged offences this morning. The 53-year-old from West Derby faces a number of alleged offences after a in.
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 is scheduled to face a plea and trial preparation hearing before this morning, Thursday. The case is listed before Merseyside's top judge, the honorary recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC, from 10am. Doyle is expected to appear in courtroom 41 via a video link from HMP Belmarsh, where he is currently on remand.
He faces a total of 31 charges including 18 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. Complainants in these matters include children aged six months, seven months, 10, 13 and 17.
He also faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent against three children, aged 11, 12 and 17, and a number of adults. He is also charged with alleged offences of wounding with intent. Other charges are matters of affray and dangerous driving.
Simon Csoka KC, defending, asked for Doyle not to be arraigned during an in order to allow his client to view and consider a newly served indictment, which contained an additional 24 charges. He is due to face a trial, lasting three to four weeks, before the same court beginning on November 24 this year.
The ECHO's court and crime reporters, Adam Everett and Patrick Edrich, will provide live updates from the hearing.