A British court has sentenced a 54-year-old man, Paul Doyle, to 21 years and six months in prison for driving into crowds celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League title, injuring 134 people in what a judge described as scenes of “horror and devastation.”
Doyle was sentenced on Tuesday by Judge Andrew Menary at the Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to 31 criminal charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, affray and dangerous driving.
The incident occurred on May 26, when hundreds of thousands of fans had gathered in Liverpool to celebrate the club’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Prosecutors told the court that Doyle, in a fit of road rage, used his vehicle as a weapon, deliberately driving into pedestrians over a period of less than 10 minutes.
Dashcam footage presented in court showed Doyle aggressively sounding his horn, shouting and swearing at members of the crowd before ploughing into them. Some victims were thrown onto the bonnet of his vehicle, while others were struck as he continued driving, reversing at one point and colliding with additional pedestrians and an ambulance.
Although no fatalities were recorded, Merseyside Police said 50 people required hospital treatment. The victims ranged in age from six months to 77 years. A six-month-old baby was thrown from a pram but escaped serious injury.
Judge Menary said the incident had left a lasting impact on the community, noting that what should have been a day of celebration had instead become one marked by fear, injury and trauma. Victim impact statements detailed permanent injuries, psychological distress and recurring nightmares.
Doyle, who had initially denied the charges, changed his plea during the second day of his trial in November, admitting all counts. Prosecutors said he had intended to cause serious harm, dismissing earlier suggestions that he acted out of panic.
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Police quickly ruled out terrorism following the incident. The vehicle was eventually brought to a stop after several people became trapped beneath it and a bystander entered the car and put it into park.
Describing the case, Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said it was among the most distressing incidents he had encountered in his two decades of policing.
Doyle, a father of two, sobbed in court as the sentence was delivered.