A former Royal Marine, Paul Doyle, appeared in court on Friday, May 30, 2025, accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd of people following Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade on Monday, an incident that resulted in 79 injuries.
Mr. Doyle, 53, of Burghill Road, West Derby, Liverpool, faced both Liverpool Magistrates’ Court and Liverpool Crown Court. He is charged with seven offences, including wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, attempting to cause GBH with intent, and dangerous driving.
The prosecution alleges that the father-of-three used his car “as a weapon.” Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court, “This defendant, it is the prosecution’s case, drove deliberately in that car at people amongst that crowd as they tried to leave the area.” He added that the dangerous driving charge reflected “the manner of driving before and up until the point he used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure those individuals.”
Appearing emotional, Mr. Doyle spoke quietly only to confirm his date of birth and age during his initial court appearance. No plea was entered to the charges. The charges currently relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions remain in place, prohibiting the publication of these victims’ identities.
The case was fast-tracked from the Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court due to the seriousness of the offences. Mr. Doyle sat with his head down as the charges were read to him. His legal representative, Damian Nolan, stated there would be no application for bail.
Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded Mr. Doyle in custody. A plea hearing is scheduled for August 14, with a provisional trial date set for November 24, anticipated to last three to four weeks. The court heard that the investigation is ongoing, with numerous witnesses to be interviewed and extensive footage to be reviewed. The dangerous driving charge encompasses Mr. Doyle’s home street, Water Street where the main incident occurred, and unnamed roads in between.
The incident took place on Monday evening, May 26, as hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans celebrated the club’s 20th top-flight league title. Police first received reports of a car colliding with pedestrians on Water Street, just off the parade route, at approximately 18:00. Among the 79 people injured was a nine-year-old. A pram carrying a baby was reportedly struck and spun down the street, though the child was unharmed.
A fundraising campaign established for those affected by the incident has raised over £30,000, including a £10,000 donation from a charity foundation associated with former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher.
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