Driver That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘Consumed by Rage’, Court Told.

A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into scores of LFC fans at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

Those injured of Paul Doyle wept as dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘A Man in a Rage’

The prosecution stated the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” as he drove towards hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.

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

The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Speaking to a full court, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.

In his police interview, Doyle stated he acted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He disregarded road closures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

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