Man Guilty of Car Attack at Liverpool Parade

Paul Doyle, the man accused of driving his car into crowds at Liverpool’s Premier League title parade, broke down in court on Wednesday as he admitted carrying out the attack, reversing earlier pleas of not guilty to a long list of offences.

The defendant, Doyle, had previously rejected 31 charges linked to the incident in Liverpool city centre in May, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding, violent disorder and dangerous driving.

However, on the second day of the trial, he changed his position and pleaded guilty to every count moments before the prosecution began presenting its case.

Doyle, 54, appeared in a suit and glasses, weeping as he quietly responded “guilty” to each charge while staring towards the floor.

The judge said sentencing would take place over two days in December and warned the defendant to expect a substantial custodial penalty.

He added that the most serious offences could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The court heard that Doyle drove his car into crowds of supporters as they were leaving celebrations marking Liverpool Football Club’s league title success on May 26.

In total, 134 victims were injured, including babies, children, and adults, with 50 people taken to the hospital. No deaths were recorded.

Prosecutors said video footage showed the defendant becoming increasingly irritated by the surrounding crowds and choosing to drive directly into them rather than wait for the road to clear.

The Crown Prosecution Service stated that the act amounted to deliberate violence and not a split-second error of judgement.

The defendant initially faced seven charges, but further offences involving dozens of victims were later added. His youngest alleged victim was under one year old, while the oldest was in their late seventies.

Police said the incident, which was not treated as terrorism, appeared to have been triggered by extreme road rage.

Officers described the scenes as harrowing, with some victims trapped beneath the vehicle.

Doyle remains in custody and will remain there until sentencing.