Man Faces Lengthy Jail Term Over Liverpool Victory Crowd Incident

The sentencing hearing for a British man who drove his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory, injuring more than 100 people, will begin on Monday.

Paul Doyle, 54, will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court over two days, Monday and Tuesday. He has been in custody since his arrest at the scene of the incident in May.

During his trial in November, Doyle broke down in court and changed his plea, admitting that he deliberately drove his car through crowds in Liverpool city centre. He later pleaded guilty to 31 criminal charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, affray and dangerous driving.

The charges relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years old. According to police, a total of 134 people were injured, and around 50 required hospital treatment. No one was killed.

Judge Andrew Menary told Doyle to prepare for “a custodial sentence of some length.” The most serious offences carry a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The incident happened on May 26, when large crowds gathered to celebrate Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Prosecutors said Doyle drove his vehicle into pedestrians over several minutes, continuing even after hitting people. At one point, his car also collided with an ambulance.

Police confirmed the incident was not related to terrorism.

The prosecution said Doyle became angry at pedestrians blocking the road and chose to drive through them rather than wait. “This was not a momentary lapse,” the Crown Prosecution Service said, adding that his actions turned a celebration into chaos.

The vehicle was eventually stopped after members of the public intervened and helped bring it to a halt.

Merseyside Police described the scenes as shocking and said it was only by luck that no one lost their life.

Doyle, who previously worked in IT and cyber security, was described by acquaintances as a family man and well-liked by his neighbours. His sentencing outcome is expected to be announced after the hearing concludes.