Paul Doyle in court after crash injures 79 at Liverpool parade

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Chaos Mars Liverpool’s Title Celebrations

A joyous day turned to tragedy in Liverpool as Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old from West Derby, faced court on Friday over a devastating incident at the city’s Premier League title parade. Charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Doyle is accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd, injuring 79 people. The shocking event unfolded on Water Street last Monday evening, casting a shadow over Liverpool FC’s celebration of their 20th top-flight title.

Appearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, Doyle confirmed his name, address, and date of birth in a brief, sombre hearing. He was later fast-tracked to Liverpool Crown Court, where a provisional trial date was set for 24 November, with a plea hearing scheduled for 14 August. He remains in custody, with no plea entered yet.

A City’s Joy Turns to Sorrow

The incident occurred around 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, as hundreds of thousands of fans lined Liverpool’s streets to cheer their team’s open-top bus parade. The mood was electric until a Ford Galaxy, driven by Doyle, ploughed into pedestrians, leaving a trail of devastation. Among the 79 injured were four children, the youngest just nine, with seven people still in hospital as of Thursday. 

Prosecutor Philip Astbury told the court the Crown alleges Doyle “drove deliberately at people” as they dispersed from the waterfront. The charges, which also include two counts of wounding with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions protect the identities of those named in the charges.

Investigation in Full Swing

Merseyside Police have stressed the incident was isolated and not terror-related, but the investigation remains complex. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said detectives are sifting through “huge volumes” of CCTV, dashcam, and body-worn camera footage, urging the public to avoid speculation that could hinder justice.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond echoed this, noting the charges are under review as evidence mounts. “This was a day meant for celebration,” she said. “We’re determined to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.” The community response has been heartfelt, with a fundraising campaign raising over £30,000, including a £10,000 donation from former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher’s charity.

Awaiting Justice

Doyle, a former Royal Marine and father of three, appeared emotional in court, speaking quietly and facing a packed gallery of reporters. With a trial looming, Liverpool is left grappling with the aftermath of an incident that turned a moment of celebration into one of trauma. As the city rallies around those affected, the focus remains on the long road to recovery and accountability.