A former Royal Marine commando accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd of Liverpool football fans at a victory parade wept in the dock as he made a court appearance on Thursday to face an additional 24 charges, including two relating to alleged victims who were babies.
Paul Doyle, 53, from Liverpool, is charged with dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent after 134 people were injured when a Ford Galaxy struck fans on Water Street in the city centre on 26 May.
When asked if he was Paul Doyle, the defendant sounded choked as he responded: “Yes I am.” The father of three, wearing a grey T-shirt, could be seen wiping his eyes.
Doyle was charged originally with seven counts relating to six people, but this was increased to 31 counts before the hearing at Liverpool crown court.
He is charged with 19 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, three counts of wounding with intent, one count of dangerous driving and one count of affray.
The charges now cover 29 alleged victims up to the age of 77, six of whom are children. Of the children, two are babies aged six and seven months.
The incident happened on the evening of 26 May as Liverpool fans were dispersing after an open-air bus parade through the city to mark their team’s Premier League title win.
A large press contingent and a number of family members were present in court for the 15-minute hearing. The recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, rescheduled a plea hearing as Doyle’s legal team had not had the opportunity to review key evidence that was to be presented to the court.
The plea hearing will take place on 4 September. Earlier this year, a provisional trial date was fixed for 24 November. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
