Father-of-three faces seven charges over incident during Liverpool FC’s victory parade on Monday
Liverpool parade crash: Paul Doyle charged with dangerous driving after 79 fans injured
Former Royal Marine Paul Doyle held back tears in court after he was accused of driving a Ford Galaxy into fans celebrating Liverpool FC’s victory parade on Monday evening.
Doyle, 53, wore a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, and spoke with a croaky voice to confirm his name and address at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning.
He is accused of seven offences including two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of wounding with intent, following the incident in Water Street in the city centre, which injured 79 people.
The father of three was also charged with two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.
The case went to Liverpool Crown Court, where the next hearing, on 14 August, is due to be a plea and case-management hearing.
He showed no reaction as he was remanded in custody and led out of the dock by security guards.
There was a heavy police presence outside the court, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the scene of the tragedy. At least 50 people queued to get inside the courtroom.
Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date of 24 November.
Key points
Paul Doyle 'visibly shaken' in Liverpool Crown Court dock
Former Royal Marine Paul Doyle holds back tears in court
Dates of next court appearances given
Court sketch of suspect, 53, as he keeps head down
10 minutes ago
Recap: Magistrates' and crown court hearings in one day
Recap of today’s court events: A trial date has been set for the alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade.
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with seven offences.
The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, was first taken to Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells.
Doyle made no indication of pleas after the charges were read to the court.
The case then went to Liverpool Crown Court, which is in the same building.
Crown courts are reserved for more serious cases than those in magistrates’ courts.
(PA)
Jane Dalton30 May 2025 14:20
25 minutes ago
Queue outside court
A long queue formed outside Liverpool magistrates’ court of people wanting to watch the hearing.
Liverpool Magistrates' Court
Liverpool Magistrates' Court (Alex Ross/The Independent)
Jane Dalton30 May 2025 14:05
34 minutes ago
Dates of next court appearances given
Doyle spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the magistrates’ court hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on 14 August.
Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date, if needed, of 24 November, saying the case could last three to four weeks.
Jane Dalton30 May 2025 13:56
1 hour ago
Reporting restrictions imposed
A large part of today's two hearings at the magistrates' court and crown court was a discussion on an application by the prosecution to restrict the naming of the six victims named in the seven charges faced by Paul Doyle.
Four of the victims are adults, two are children. The restriction was imposed in the interim, but will be reheard at a hearing involving representatives of the press next week.
Earlier, during the magistrates' court hearing, District Judge Paul Healey said imposing the restriction was a “necessary and proportionate step at this time having regard to the nature of the allegations.”
“This is a truly exceptional case,” he added. “It shocked and outraged the people of Liverpool and beyond.”
Alex Ross30 May 2025 13:22
1 hour ago
Pictured: Paul Doyle sits in dock at Liverpool Crown Court
(Reuters)
Alexander Butler30 May 2025 13:18
1 hour ago
Next hearing in August, says judge
Concluding the hearing, Judge Menary tells Paul Doyle he is adjourning the case until next week to deal with an application for reporting restrictions.
He says the next hearing will be a plea and case management hearing on 14 August, with the "purpose of the hearing for you to enter pleas to the indictment".
A date has been set for a trial, if required, Judge Menary says. This would be on 24 November.
The judge remands Doyle in custody until the next hearing. Doyle shows no reaction as he walks out of the dock, followed by two security guards.
Alexander Butler30 May 2025 13:14
1 hour ago
Pictured: Court sketch of Paul Doyle
(Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)
Alexander Butler30 May 2025 13:07
1 hour ago
'Great deal' of evidence to go through, says prosecutor
Prosecuting in the case, Phillip Astbury tells Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC that the investigation into the crash is continuing.
He says there was a "great deal" of CCTV to be analysed, and medical evidence to go through.
Discussions are now being held on when the case will be adjourned to at Liverpool Crown Court. Paul Doyle sits in the dock, looking straight ahead.
Alex Ross30 May 2025 12:49
1 hour ago
Paul Doyle 'visibly shaken' in Liverpool Crown Court
Former marine Paul Doyle looks “visibly shaken” as he was led into the dock at Liverpool Crown Court, Alex Ross reports.
Faced with seven charges relating to the crash at the Liverpool parade, that left 79 people injured, he confirms his age and date of birth.
Flanked by two security guards, Doyle then sits down. He glances around the court, looking over at the section of the room taken by the press. He looks visibly shaken and tired.
Alexander Butler30 May 2025 12:43
1 hour ago
Doyle's case next being heard at crown court
The Independent’s senior reporter Alex Ross is now at Liverpool Crown Court, which is in the same building as the Magistrates’.
There are more than 25 members of the press present as he waits for the case to resume.
It will be heard before Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC.
Phillip Astbury will again appear for the prosecution. Damian Nolan will represent Paul Doyle.
Alexander Butler30 May 2025 12:33
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