Man That Drove Through LFC Parade Was ‘In a Rage’, Trial Told.

A former Royal Marine acted as a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club supporters at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.

Those injured of Paul Doyle wept as video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday after pleading guilty at the start of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges involving 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘Consumed by Anger’

The prosecution warned the court that the video evidence from Doyle’s large people carrier proved to be “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

The court was told that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

Overall, the ex-marine injured 134 people in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, sustaining a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and multiple abrasions.

The defendant was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said about 1 million people had attended “what they thought would be a day of joyfulness” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. The celebratory atmosphere turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so his intent was to cause serious injury.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.