Man That Drove Into LFC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Court Hears.
An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” as he mowed down scores of LFC supporters during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.
“The footage is profoundly upsetting.”
Those injured in the incident cried as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 29 victims, including eight minors.
‘Consumed by Anger’
The prosecution stated the court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.
It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.
Extent of the Injuries
Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.
One fan, Simon Nash, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a laceration on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.
The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.
Celebration Descends into Chaos
Speaking to a full court, lawyers said approximately a million individuals had attended “an event they believed to be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion from the parade route.
“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”
Rampage Halted by Heroic Act
With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was stopped by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.
In his police interview, Doyle stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”
Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident
Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.
Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.
