Dan Barr Liverpool parade hero
Dan Barr climbed into the car to stop Paul Doyle from continuing to plough into crowds
A former soldier who brought a car to a stop after it was driven into crowds at a Liverpool FC parade has been presented with an award for his “exceptional bravery”.
Dan Barr, 41, climbed into the car and moved the gear stick to park mode - stopping 54-year-old Paul Doyle, who injured 134 people when he “lost his temper” and ploughed into crowds on Water Street after Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade on May 26 last year.
134 people were injured when Paul Doyle “lost his temper” and ploughed into crowds in Water Street after LFC’s Premier League title parade Credit: ITV Granada
Mr Barr was presented with the High Sheriff’s Award for Bravery in a ceremony at Liverpool Crown Court.
Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC, who jailed Doyle for 21 years and six months in December, told Mr Barr: “What you did that day mattered. It mattered to those who were injured. It mattered to their families. It mattered to the emergency services working desperately to regain control of a chaotic scene. And it mattered to this city."
“In recognising you today, we also recognise something larger — the resilience and solidarity of the people of Liverpool and the enduring truth that even in moments of darkness, courage and humanity prevail."
“On behalf of the court and the community it serves, I offer you our profound respect, our gratitude and our congratulations.”
Paul Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months in December Credit: Merseyside Police
Mr Barr, a builder’s labourer who served for eight years in the Royal Engineers, said last year that he did not think he did “anything special” when he got into the Ford Galaxy through the rear passenger door.
After a “scuffle” with Doyle, during which he sustained cuts to his head, Mr Barr pressed the seatbelt buckle, allowing the driver to be pulled from the car.
Paul Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months after ploughing into crowds in Liverpool last May
Mr Barr, from Birkenhead, attended the ceremony with his mother Honora Barr.
He said: “I feel very privileged and I’m really proud of this.”
Judges and court staff were present to see High Sheriff of Merseyside Billy Hui present Mr Barr with a framed certificate which read: “This certificate is awarded to Daniel Barr in recognition of his exceptional bravery and presence of mind during the events of May 26 2025 in the city of Liverpool."
“In circumstances of real and immediate danger arising during a large public celebration, he acted selflessly to assist those at risk and to reduce the likelihood of further serious harm."
“His calm courage, concern for others, and willingness to place himself in danger to help those around him reflect the very best of civic responsibility and merit the court’s highest commendation.”
He also received £250.
Doyle, a father-of-three from Croxteth, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.