Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley has provoked a storm of criticism from viewers after suggesting a 21-year prison sentence for a man who drove into a crowd of Liverpool fans might be excessively severe.
Viewers accuse presenter of 'making excuses'
During a segment on the ITV breakfast show on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, Madeley discussed the sentencing of 54-year-old Paul Doyle. Doyle was handed a prison term of 21 years and six months after admitting to a catalogue of charges, including dangerous driving and multiple counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, following the horrific incident at a Liverpool victory parade.
While co-host Susanna Reid and contributors Kevin Maguire and Andrew Pierce looked on, Madeley repeatedly prefaced his points by stating he was not necessarily agreeing with them, but was fostering an 'open discussion'. He questioned whether such a lengthy sentence could act as a deterrent for someone succumbing to 'road rage' and pondered if the act could be described as a 'psychotic episode'.
The controversial discussion points
"This was an act that was committed without intent to the extent that he left his home that day," Madeley argued, contrasting Doyle's actions with premeditated crimes. He later added, "How much can you deter somebody from losing their temper?"
Susanna Reid was quick to counter one of his assertions, pointing out that the court had convicted Doyle of acting with intent, which contributed to the lengthy sentence. Despite Madeley's clarifications that he was playing devil's advocate, viewers swiftly took to social media to express their anger and disbelief.
Immediate social media backlash
The reaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was fierce and immediate. One viewer questioned the show's editorial stance, posting: "#GMB Why are they trying to justify and making excuses for this Paul Doyle. I really don't understand @ GMB isn't this a NEWS show and the Presenters are supposed to be impartial."
Another critic drew a humorous but cutting comparison, writing: "'You can deter someone from being a burglar or even a sex offender, but how do you deter someone from losing their temper?' Classic Partridge from Madeley there." A third simply stated: "WOW - he's outdone himself this time."
Further criticism focused on the timing of the discussion, with one person posting: "I don't understand why ITV's GMB should challenge the sentencing of Paul Doyle. It doesn't seem right that a TV show should question the sentence the very next day after the court case."
The controversy highlights the delicate balance broadcasters must strike when discussing serious criminal sentences, demonstrating how exploratory commentary can be perceived as justification, regardless of the presenter's stated intent.
