Liverpool Parade Attack: Paul Doyle Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Rampage
Published 16 December 2025
Highlights
- Paul Doyle, 54, was sentenced to 21 years and six months for driving into a crowd at Liverpool FC's victory parade, injuring over 130 people.
- The attack, described as an act of "inexplicable and undiluted fury," left victims ranging from six months to 77 years old.
- Doyle, a former Royal Marine, pleaded guilty to 31 charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.
- Dan Barr, who stopped Doyle's vehicle, was hailed for his bravery but insisted he was "not a hero."
- The incident has left lasting psychological and physical scars on victims, with many recounting their traumatic experiences in court.
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Rewritten Article
Liverpool Parade Attack: Paul Doyle Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Rampage
In a shocking incident that marred Liverpool FC's victory parade, Paul Doyle, 54, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for driving his vehicle into a crowd, injuring over 130 people. The attack, which occurred on May 26, was described by Judge Andrew Menary KC as an act of "inexplicable and undiluted fury."
The Day of the Attack
Doyle, a former Royal Marine, drove his Ford Galaxy into the dense crowd on Water Street, Liverpool, shortly before 18:00 BST. His actions were not a momentary lapse but a deliberate act of aggression, as he accelerated through the crowd, striking people and causing chaos. Dashcam footage revealed Doyle shouting at pedestrians to "move" as he ploughed through, leaving a trail of devastation.
Victims and Impact
The victims of Doyle's rampage ranged from a six-month-old baby to a 77-year-old woman. Many have been left with lasting physical and emotional scars. Ian Passey, 47, recounted the horror of seeing his elderly mother pinned beneath Doyle's car, while the mother of an 11-year-old boy described the emotional trauma her son now faces. In total, 78 victim statements were submitted, painting a picture of a day that turned from celebration to nightmare.
The Man Who Stopped the Rampage
Dan Barr, a former soldier, played a crucial role in stopping Doyle's vehicle. Despite being hailed as a hero, Barr humbly insisted he was just one of many trying to intervene. He managed to get inside the car and force it into park mode, preventing further injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. His past, marked by a history of violent outbursts, was laid bare in court. Despite his claims of acting in a "blind panic," the judge dismissed these as unfounded. Doyle's actions have been described as unprecedented in their horror and disregard for human life.
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Scenario Analysis
The sentencing of Paul Doyle brings some closure to the victims, but the psychological and physical scars will take much longer to heal. The case highlights the potential for individuals with a history of violence to cause significant harm, raising questions about monitoring and intervention strategies. As Merseyside Police continue to support the victims, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community support in preventing such tragedies. Legal experts suggest that this case could lead to discussions on stricter penalties for similar acts of violence, aiming to deter future incidents.
In a shocking incident that marred Liverpool FC's victory parade, Paul Doyle, 54, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for driving his vehicle into a crowd, injuring over 130 people. The attack, which occurred on May 26, was described by Judge Andrew Menary KC as an act of "inexplicable and undiluted fury."
The Day of the Attack
Doyle, a former Royal Marine, drove his Ford Galaxy into the dense crowd on Water Street, Liverpool, shortly before 18:00 BST. His actions were not a momentary lapse but a deliberate act of aggression, as he accelerated through the crowd, striking people and causing chaos. Dashcam footage revealed Doyle shouting at pedestrians to "move" as he ploughed through, leaving a trail of devastation.
Victims and Impact
The victims of Doyle's rampage ranged from a six-month-old baby to a 77-year-old woman. Many have been left with lasting physical and emotional scars. Ian Passey, 47, recounted the horror of seeing his elderly mother pinned beneath Doyle's car, while the mother of an 11-year-old boy described the emotional trauma her son now faces. In total, 78 victim statements were submitted, painting a picture of a day that turned from celebration to nightmare.
The Man Who Stopped the Rampage
Dan Barr, a former soldier, played a crucial role in stopping Doyle's vehicle. Despite being hailed as a hero, Barr humbly insisted he was just one of many trying to intervene. He managed to get inside the car and force it into park mode, preventing further injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. His past, marked by a history of violent outbursts, was laid bare in court. Despite his claims of acting in a "blind panic," the judge dismissed these as unfounded. Doyle's actions have been described as unprecedented in their horror and disregard for human life.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Paul Doyle brings some closure to the victims, but the psychological and physical scars will take much longer to heal. The case highlights the potential for individuals with a history of violence to cause significant harm, raising questions about monitoring and intervention strategies. As Merseyside Police continue to support the victims, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community support in preventing such tragedies. Legal experts suggest that this case could lead to discussions on stricter penalties for similar acts of violence, aiming to deter future incidents.
