The alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade is set to appear in court today (May 30) charged with offences such as wounding and causing grievous bodily harm against six victims.
Paul Doyle, 53, is accused of seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday, which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Thursday he is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving.
A wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge relate to a child. Doyle, of the West Derby area of Liverpool, is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Police confirmed the ages of those injured in the incident ranged from nine to 78 and all 79 are British. The CPS said the charges would be kept “under review as the investigation progresses”.
In a statement issued to reporters on Thursday, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, Sarah Hammond, said: “The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence.
“This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.”
Paul Doyle will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning
Paul Doyle will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning
At the press conference, assistant chief constable of Merseyside Police, Jenny Sims, added: “I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions. Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answer to all of those questions.
“When we are able to, we will provide further information.”
Ms Sims said seven people remain in hospital. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted.
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