Liverpool Parade Crash: Paul Doyle Sentenced to 21 Years and Six Months in Jail

Liverpool Parade Crash: Paul Doyle Sentenced to 21 Years and Six Months in Jail

Paul Doyle, the driver responsible for injuring 134 supporters at Liverpool’s victory parade, has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. The incident occurred on May 26 when Doyle drove his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title on Water Street.

Dashcam footage played in court revealed Doyle accelerating down a street that was officially closed to traffic. The video showed terrified fans thrown onto the vehicle’s hood or falling underneath as he pressed on. Doyle was heard shouting and swearing at people to move from his path.

Initially, Doyle denied 31 charges including dangerous driving and multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. However, he changed his plea to guilty just before his trial began in late November. The judge described Doyle’s actions as "inexplicable and undiluted fury" and highlighted the deliberate nature of the offense.

The 54-year-old former Royal Marine admitted to 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and three counts of wounding with intent. Victims ranged widely in age, including a 6-month-old infant whose pram was thrown in the crash, and a 77-year-old woman.

Judge Andrew Menary KC condemned Doyle’s behavior, emphasizing the intent behind the acts. "You intended to cause serious harm to achieve that end even to children," the judge stated. The crash disrupted what had been a joyful public celebration, bringing panic and lasting harm to the city.

During the drive to the city center, Doyle exhibited reckless behavior, running a red light and overtaking other vehicles. His dashcam recorded racist slurs and hostile outbursts as crowds tried to get out of his way. His vehicle stopped only when fan Dan Barr intervened by placing the car in park.

Police confirmed Doyle was neither intoxicated nor driving a faulty vehicle. Despite his claim that he panicked after seeing someone with a knife, no evidence supported this. Authorities expressed relief that no lives were lost given the scale of the crash.

The Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said the incident stemmed from Doyle losing control in a "rage," while Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald described his actions as showing "total disregard for the safety of others." The sentencing marks a significant response to a devastating act that scarred Liverpool’s community.