'The physical scars are visible, but the emotional ones run deeper. We did not deserve this. No one does'
Police and emergency personnel on Water Street, Liverpool
Police and emergency personnel on Water Street, Liverpool
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A man hit by Paul Doyle's car during this year's Liverpool FC victory parade has described being left with life-changing injuries, lasting trauma and a reduced life expectancy. Robin Darke, 62, was on Water Street with his 29-year-old son, Forest, when Doyle drove his two-tonne Ford Galaxy into crowds of fans celebrating Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title earlier this year.
More than 100 people, ranging from babies to pensioners, were injured after being struck by the car on Water Street shortly after 6pm on Monday, May 26, as what was meant to be a day of joy turned into scenes of devastation and terror.
Fifty casualties required hospital treatment in the aftermath of the appalling incident, with all of them later discharged. Doyle, 54, and of Burghill Road in West Derby, admitted a total of 31 charges last month.
Doyle dramatically changed his pleas last month, moments before he was due to face a jury. He returned to Liverpool Crown Court in order to be sentenced today, Tuesday, and was jailed for 21-and-a-half years.
Dozens of victim personal statements have been read to the court by the prosecution, from people who continue to suffer from the trauma they experienced. The statements detailed job losses, the slow recovery from injuries, fears of crowds and continued flashbacks.
Paul Doyle
Paul Doyle(Image: Merseyside Police)
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Mr Darke wrote a statement on behalf of himself and his son. He said: "I lay in the street for hours, freezing, in agony and terrified. At the hospital I was told I had an open wound on my right ankle. It was stitched and I was sent home. But the next day I knew something was seriously wrong.
"Within 48 hours, my partner Lorraine was told that they were fighting to save my life, and if successful, they would be then trying to save my whole limb.
"The wound had become seriously infected, oozing blood and pus and spreading rapidly. I was diagnosed with a flesh-eating disease. My leg was left with an open wound approximately eight inches in length and three inches wide, exposing muscle and bone.
"I endured five operations, including a skin graft. I had to have IV antibiotics for eight full days for 24 hours a day to try and fight the infection. I spent three months in a wheelchair. I am now permanently scarred and disfigured. The treatment is ongoing and will be for the foreseeable.
"I had retired but worked part time. That income has now gone. I’ve lost the freedom and enjoyment of retirement. Once independent, I now rely heavily on Lorraine and my family.
"Walking is painful. I slept in the kitchen for months because I couldn’t climb the stairs. I used to walk miles with my dog, now I can’t.
"Lorraine and I started a bucket wish list of holiday destinations. That’s all been put on hold. I now struggle with the most simplest of tasks. Getting off the couch, making a cup of tea, having a bath.
"Emotionally I am shattered. I suffer flashbacks. I am anxious, especially about driving. A recent bomb scare at the hospital triggered intense fear and panic. I can’t be in crowds. I panic. I feel angry, impatient and overwhelmed. Even sirens can trigger me. I now receive trauma counselling.
"My family have been incredibly supportive, but I see the toll it’s taken on them. Lorraine had to take on everything at home and had to be signed off work for 10 weeks due to the stress she was under. She constantly worries something will happen to me if I go out without her. Forest, who was also hit by you, suffers flashbacks and trauma. He can’t be in crowds. We used to bond over Liverpool FC, but now even that triggers painful memories. Our family has been fractured.
"Forest is still young, he should be looking forward to life. Instead, I see a fear and vulnerability in him.
"The incident has devastated us. I’ve been left with a life-changing injury that will never fully heal. I have been told that my condition will also result in reduced life expectancy. I will be more likely to get infection and have to now worry about this. The physical scars are visible, but the emotional ones run deeper. We did not deserve this. No one does."
The charges Doyle has admitted included 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. The complainants in these matters were named as six-month-old Teddy Eveson, other boys and girls aged seven months, 10, 11, 13, as well as adults Jack Trotter, Jon Evans, Scott Dolan, Ashton Gilmore, Jacqueline McClaren, Jamie Fagan, Carl Martin, James Vernon, Emily Wright, David Price, James Weston and Ethan Gillard.
A further nine counts which he pleaded guilty to stated that he caused grievous bodily harm with intent to Helen Gilmore, Anna Bilonozhenko, Sheree Aldridge, Sam Alexander, Hannah O’Neill, Stefan Dettlaf, Christine Seeckts, Susan Passey and Aaron Cothliff. He finally faces sentence for three offences of wounding with intent against a 12-year-old boy, Simon Nash and Robin Darke, as well as matters of affray and dangerous driving.