A man who deliberately drove a car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title victory, injuring more than 100 people, has been sentenced to 21-and-a-half years in prison.
A Day of Celebration Turns to Horror
On May 26, 2025, hundreds of thousands of fans filled Liverpool city centre for a victory parade after the club secured its 20th league title. What began as a day of joy descended into chaos when Paul Doyle, 54, of West Derby, drove his grey Ford Galaxy into pedestrians on Water Street and Dale Street.
The court heard that Doyle, who was sober and not under the influence of drugs, acted in a rage of "impatience and arrogance." He deliberately accelerated into groups of fans, including children and a 78-year-old woman, pausing twice before choosing to continue his rampage.
Heroic Intervention and Devastating Aftermath
The vehicle, weighing nearly two tonnes, only came to a stop due to the heroic actions of bystander Daniel Barr. Mr Barr jumped into the moving car's back seat and managed to put it into park, preventing further injuries and potentially saving lives.
The aftermath was one of devastation. Over 100 people were struck, with 50 requiring hospital treatment for injuries including broken bones, spinal damage, and degloving. Many victims, including a six-month-old baby, have been left with lasting physical and profound psychological harm.
Sentencing and Victim Impact
At Liverpool Crown Court, Honorary Recorder Judge Andrew Menary KC told Doyle his actions "caused horror and devastation on a scale not previously encountered by this court." He stated Doyle had used his vehicle as a weapon and intentionally caused serious harm.
Doyle, who had previous convictions from his time as a Royal Marine, pleaded guilty to 31 charges at the last minute, including:
- 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
- 9 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
- 3 counts of wounding with intent.
- Affray and dangerous driving.
Despite character references describing him as a reformed family man, the judge emphasised the deliberate and sustained nature of the attack, captured chillingly on Doyle's own dashcam. The prosecution dismissed Doyle's claim that he acted in fear for his life, stating the truth was he "just lost his temper."
Doyle's defence counsel, Simon Csoka KC, stated his client was "horrified, remorseful, ashamed and deeply sorry," acknowledging the paradox of his actions compared to his character. The sentence was passed on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
