Driver Who Drove Into Liverpool FC Victory Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Hears.

A former Royal Marine acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down scores of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

Those injured in the incident cried as dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 21 adults and eight children.

‘Consumed by Anger’

The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Scale of the Carnage

In total, the ex-marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.

In his police interview, the defendant stated he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video demonstrated Doyle “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “In a rage, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

The video showed the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is understood to be facing a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.