Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old former Royal Marine, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Friday charged with a series of serious offences after allegedly driving his car into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s trophy parade on Monday evening.
Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, faces seven charges including wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, attempting to cause GBH with intent, and dangerous driving. The incident, which occurred in Liverpool city centre, left 79 people injured, including two children. Six of the victims form the basis of the current charges.
The father-of-three appeared in the dock wearing a black suit, grey tie and white shirt. He was not asked to enter any pleas. Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing for 12 August. A provisional trial date has also been set for 24 November, with the court expecting the proceedings to last between three and four weeks.
Reporting restrictions, initially applied during Doyle’s first appearance in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, remain in place. A separate hearing to review those restrictions is scheduled for Tuesday, which Doyle is not required to attend.
Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court that the current charges may yet be altered as the investigation continues.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” Astbury said. “There are a great deal of witnesses to be interviewed and footage to be reviewed.”
Damian Nolan, representing Doyle, confirmed that there would be no application for bail during this hearing. At his earlier Magistrates’ Court appearance, Doyle was visibly emotional and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He sat in silence for much of the session, appearing solemn as the charges were read out.
The incident occurred during Liverpool FC’s victory parade following their second Premier League title win and 20th overall top-flight crown. Hundreds of thousands of fans packed the city centre and lined the 10-mile (16km) route on a day that was meant to be a celebration of sporting achievement.
Instead, scenes of chaos erupted when a car ploughed into a section of the crowd. Eyewitness footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the moment of impact and the aftermath. One particularly harrowing clip captured a pram carrying a baby boy being struck by the car and thrown metres down the road. Miraculously, the child was not injured.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with multiple ambulances and police units on the scene. In total, 79 people received treatment, ranging from cuts and bruises to more serious trauma-related injuries. Hospitals in the area confirmed that several victims required overnight care, though none were reported to be in critical condition.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support for those affected. A fundraising campaign established shortly after the crash has already raised more than £30,000. Notably, £10,000 of that total came from the Jamie Carragher Foundation, the charitable arm of the former Liverpool defender, who expressed his shock and sadness over the events.
“This was supposed to be a joyous day for the people of Liverpool,” Carragher said. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy. We stand with them.”
Doyle’s military background and apparent lack of prior criminal record have raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the incident. While motives remain unclear, investigators are continuing to gather evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness statements, to piece together a full picture.
As the city comes to terms with the trauma of what should have been a day of celebration, many now await further developments in what is likely to become one of the most high-profile court cases Liverpool has seen in recent years.
