Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to a serious incident that occurred during a football victory parade in Liverpool on May 26, 2023. Doyle admitted to dangerous driving, affray, and a total of 29 charges involving attempts to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), as well as wounding with intent, at Liverpool Crown Court.
The plea came on the second day of his trial, where a jury had already been sworn in. As the charges were read, Doyle appeared visibly distressed, sobbing and wiping away tears. He had initially denied all charges connected to the incident, which left over 130 individuals injured as crowds gathered to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title win.
Doyle’s actions unfolded shortly after 18:00 local time when he drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into a crowd on Water Street. The area was bustling with Liverpool supporters as the parade, which began at 14:30 and spanned 15 kilometers, was nearing its conclusion. The incident reportedly occurred when Doyle followed an ambulance onto Water Street, allegedly taking advantage of a temporary roadblock that had been lifted to allow emergency services to assist a person suffering a heart attack.
Details of the Incident and Victims
The incident has left a lasting impact on the community, with the victims ranging in age from just six months to 77 years. Among those injured was Teddy Eveson, a baby who, according to his parents, was thrown approximately 15 feet from his pram during the crash. Doyle admitted to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Teddy.
Legal restrictions prevent the identification of five other children who were either injured or whom Doyle attempted to injure. The defendant, who is reported to be a former Royal Marine, often displayed emotional distress during pre-trial hearings, appearing via videolink from prison. Family members provided support during the proceedings.
Merseyside Police confirmed that they believe Doyle’s actions were unintentional but reckless, leading to the tragic injuries of many innocent fans celebrating a momentous occasion.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Doyle was arrested at the scene and later charged with multiple offenses. His guilty plea highlights the serious nature of the charges he faced, which included 17 counts of attempting to cause GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
As the community processes the ramifications of this event, Liverpool fans continue to express their solidarity with the victims and their families. The parade, meant to be a joyous celebration of their team’s achievements, has been overshadowed by this incident, raising concerns about safety during public events.
The court proceedings will continue, with further hearings scheduled to determine the consequences of Doyle’s actions. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on healing for those affected and ensuring safety for future celebrations.
