In a shocking turn of events, Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old former Royal Marine, has admitted to deliberately driving his vehicle into a crowd during a Liverpool FC victory parade, injuring 134 people. The incident, which took place on 26 May, has been described by the Crown Prosecution Service as an "act of calculated violence."

The Incident and Charges

Doyle's Ford Galaxy ploughed into a dense crowd of football fans, including children and elderly individuals, as they celebrated the team's victory. The attack, which lasted seven minutes, resulted in more than 50 people requiring hospital treatment. Among the victims were two babies, aged six and seven months, and a 77-year-old woman who suffered multiple fractures.

Initially, Doyle denied all 31 charges, which included 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. However, on the second day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Doyle changed his plea to guilty, sobbing as he admitted to the charges.

Community Shock and Legal Proceedings

Residents of Croxteth, where Doyle lived with his family, expressed disbelief at the actions of a man they knew as a "nice" neighbor. Doyle, who had a background in cyber security, was well-liked in his community, often seen engaging in friendly chats and gardening.

The courtroom was packed with relatives of the injured and Doyle's family members as Judge Andrew Menary KC informed him of the inevitable custodial sentence he faces. Sentencing is scheduled for 15 and 16 December, with expectations of a lengthy prison term.

Motives and Reactions

Doyle claimed he panicked and feared for his life, alleging he saw a knife in the crowd and was struck by a bottle. These claims were dismissed by prosecutors, who argued that Doyle acted out of rage. Dashcam footage revealed Doyle's increasing agitation as he approached the crowd, ultimately choosing to drive through them rather than wait.

Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald remarked on the sheer luck that no fatalities occurred, emphasizing the reckless nature of Doyle's actions. The incident, intended as a day of celebration, turned into a traumatic experience for many.