"The crowd was unsurprisingly highly hostile towards Paul Doyle by the time his vehicle was brought to a stop"
Paul Doyle
Paul Doyle injured over 100 people, ranging in age from six-months to 78 years old.
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Paul Doyle told officers he had “just ruined my family’s life” as he was arrested having injured more than 100 people when he ploughed his car into crowds at Liverpool FC's title parade in May.
The 54-year-old's remarks were captured on a police body-worn camera as emergency services worked to control the scene, and later shown in Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (December 15) ahead of his sentencing.
“In dealing with the aftermath, we must also deal with what happened to the defendant," Prosecutor Mr Greaney told the court, adding, "The crowd was unsurprisingly highly hostile towards Paul Doyle by the time his vehicle was brought to a stop, and attempts were made to drag him out of the Galaxy.
Liverpool title parade aftermath
The court has seen harrowing footage from the incident
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"Blows were delivered to him, and he sustained minor injuries. Police officers intervened and forced him into a nearby police van amidst a hostile crowd.
"Their actions were brave and effective. In due course, we will invite the court to recognise the commitment of the emergency services as a whole that afternoon.”
Bodycam footage released to the court shows the horrifying aftermath, with victims trapped beneath Doyle’s car. Teddy Eveson, a young child, is seen in his pram, while Ethan Gilland lies on his back with his friend Aaron Cothliff on top of him. A 12-year-old boy is also caught beneath the vehicle.
Mr Greaney warned: “The footage is capable of causing distress and is certainly shocking. We will see the release of those people trapped under the vehicle.”
Paramedics are shown attending to the injured, with one telling Aaron Cothliff, whose t-shirt had been ripped, “You’re going to be alright mate.”
Emergency workers then carefully pull him, his friend, and the 12-year-old boy from underneath the car, as a pool of blood is visible around the young boy.
Crime Scene Investigators at the scene of the Liverpool FC parade incident on Water Street
Crime Scene Investigators at the scene of the Liverpool FC parade incident on Water Street
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Mr Greaney said the appearance of the 12-year-old “came as a surprise” to emergency services, who had seemingly not realised he was trapped.
Doyle is pictured in court, visibly emotional, wiping his eyes with a tissue and taking a sip of water as he faces the consequences of the incident.
His words, “I’ve just ruined my family’s life,” serve as a stark reminder of the human impact of the crash on both the victims and those responsible.
The court will continue to hear evidence as the case progresses, with the actions of the emergency services and the distressing experiences of the victims forming a central part of the proceedings.