Liverpool Parade Attacker Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison
Published 16 December 2025
Highlights
- Paul Doyle, a former Royal Marine, was sentenced to 21 years and six months for driving into a crowd at a Liverpool FC parade, injuring 134 people.
- The incident occurred on 26 May, with Doyle using his Ford Galaxy as a weapon, causing life-changing injuries to some victims.
- Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm, at Liverpool Crown Court.
- Despite his claims of acting in "blind panic," the court found Doyle acted out of "undiluted fury," dismissing his defense.
- The attack shocked the community, with Merseyside police calling it a "miracle" that no fatalities occurred.
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Rewritten Article
Liverpool Parade Attacker Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison
In a case that has left the Liverpool community reeling, Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old former Royal Marine, has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for a shocking attack during a Liverpool FC victory parade. The incident, which took place on 26 May, saw Doyle drive his Ford Galaxy into a crowd of jubilant fans, injuring 134 people, including children and vulnerable individuals.
A Day of Celebration Turned to Horror
The Liverpool Crown Court heard harrowing accounts of the chaos that unfolded as Doyle accelerated his vehicle into the dense crowd on Water Street. Among the victims were Ukrainian war refugee Anna Bilonozhenko and Manchester Arena bombing survivor Francesca Massey, both of whom were left traumatized by the event. Judge Menary described the attack as causing "horror and devastation on a scale not previously experienced by this court."
The Man Behind the Wheel
Paul Doyle, known to friends and family as a dependable and generous individual, presented a stark contrast to the man who committed this act of violence. Despite his claims of acting in "blind panic" after allegedly seeing a fan with a knife, the court dismissed this defense, with Judge Menary stating that Doyle acted out of "an inexplicable and undiluted fury." The court also revealed Doyle's past criminal record, including a violent incident in the early 1990s, though he had remained trouble-free for the past 30 years.
Community and Legal Reactions
The attack has left a lasting impact on the Liverpool community, with Merseyside police expressing relief that no fatalities occurred, calling it a "miracle." Doyle's actions have raised concerns about public safety during large events, prompting discussions on how to prevent such incidents in the future. Friends and colleagues of Doyle expressed disbelief, describing him as a "mentor" and a "diamond" who was always willing to help others.
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Scenario Analysis
The sentencing of Paul Doyle marks a significant moment for the victims and the Liverpool community, offering a sense of justice and closure. However, the incident has sparked broader discussions about public safety measures at large gatherings, with authorities likely to review and enhance security protocols to prevent similar occurrences. Legal experts suggest that Doyle's case could set a precedent for how such acts of violence are prosecuted in the future, emphasizing the importance of accountability and deterrence. As the community heals, the focus will be on supporting the victims and ensuring that Liverpool remains a safe place for celebrations and public events.
In a case that has left the Liverpool community reeling, Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old former Royal Marine, has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for a shocking attack during a Liverpool FC victory parade. The incident, which took place on 26 May, saw Doyle drive his Ford Galaxy into a crowd of jubilant fans, injuring 134 people, including children and vulnerable individuals.
A Day of Celebration Turned to Horror
The Liverpool Crown Court heard harrowing accounts of the chaos that unfolded as Doyle accelerated his vehicle into the dense crowd on Water Street. Among the victims were Ukrainian war refugee Anna Bilonozhenko and Manchester Arena bombing survivor Francesca Massey, both of whom were left traumatized by the event. Judge Menary described the attack as causing "horror and devastation on a scale not previously experienced by this court."
The Man Behind the Wheel
Paul Doyle, known to friends and family as a dependable and generous individual, presented a stark contrast to the man who committed this act of violence. Despite his claims of acting in "blind panic" after allegedly seeing a fan with a knife, the court dismissed this defense, with Judge Menary stating that Doyle acted out of "an inexplicable and undiluted fury." The court also revealed Doyle's past criminal record, including a violent incident in the early 1990s, though he had remained trouble-free for the past 30 years.
Community and Legal Reactions
The attack has left a lasting impact on the Liverpool community, with Merseyside police expressing relief that no fatalities occurred, calling it a "miracle." Doyle's actions have raised concerns about public safety during large events, prompting discussions on how to prevent such incidents in the future. Friends and colleagues of Doyle expressed disbelief, describing him as a "mentor" and a "diamond" who was always willing to help others.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Paul Doyle marks a significant moment for the victims and the Liverpool community, offering a sense of justice and closure. However, the incident has sparked broader discussions about public safety measures at large gatherings, with authorities likely to review and enhance security protocols to prevent similar occurrences. Legal experts suggest that Doyle's case could set a precedent for how such acts of violence are prosecuted in the future, emphasizing the importance of accountability and deterrence. As the community heals, the focus will be on supporting the victims and ensuring that Liverpool remains a safe place for celebrations and public events.
