Paul Doyle Pleads Guilty for Injuring Football Fans in Parade Incident

Paul Doyle entered a guilty plea on the second day of his trial for causing serious injuries to individuals during the celebration of Liverpool’s victory parade on May 26.

The 54-year-old acknowledged charges of dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.

Initially, a jury was sworn in for his trial on Tuesday; however, the following day, shortly before the prosecution’s case was set to be presented, Doyle was prompted to re-enter his pleas. He sat with his head bowed, visibly emotional, as he changed his pleas, occasionally wiping away tears while the charges were reiterated.

Previously, Doyle had denied all allegations related to the incident on May 26, which occurred while crowds gathered in the city to celebrate the football team’s Premier League title win. Over 130 individuals reported injuries after Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into the crowd on Water Street shortly after 6 PM.

He was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged later that week. The charges involve 29 victims, whose ages range from six months to 77 years. The youngest alleged victim, Teddy Eveson, was reportedly thrown approximately 15 feet down the street in his pram during the crash, and Doyle admitted to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to the infant.

Five additional children, whom Doyle is alleged to have injured or attempted to injure, are protected by legal anonymity.

Reportedly a former Royal Marine, Doyle displayed emotional distress at several pre-trial hearings, appearing via videolink from prison. He was supported in court by family members.

On the day of the attack, thousands of Liverpool fans were present in the city to witness the parade, which commenced at 2:30 PM and spanned 15 kilometers before concluding in the city center. The team bus had traversed The Strand, adjacent to Water Street, just prior to the incident, as the parade was nearing its conclusion with supporters beginning to disperse.

In May, Merseyside Police indicated that the driver may have followed an ambulance onto Water Street after a temporary roadblock was lifted to assist a person experiencing a heart attack.