Driver That Ploughed Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he mowed down dozens of LFC fans during a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is truly shocking.”
Those injured in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Get out of the way!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
Prosecutors warned the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.
The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating as people collided with his car.
Scale of the Carnage
Overall, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a laceration on his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.
The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he acted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.
The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.
