Paul Doyle turned the Liverpool Premier League victory parade from a day of “celebration into mayhem”, prosecutors have said.
The 54-year-old former Royal Marine has admitted to ploughing his car into football fans injuring 134 people after dramatically changing his plea just a day after he was seen in tears in court on Tuesday.
His actions “endangered lives and brought chaos upon a community” Sarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Mersey-Cheshire said.
“Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence. This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle — it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem,” she added.
He had been charged with 31 offences relating to the incident on 26 May this year, when thousands of people gathered in the city to celebrate the team winning the Premier League title.
But on Wednesday Doyle, of Croxteth in Liverpool, changed his pleas and admitted to dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
Key points
- Paul Doyle's actions 'endangered lives', says chief crown prosecutor
- Paul Doyle changes plea and admits ploughing into fans
- Charges faced by Paul Doyle
- Who is representing Paul Doyle?
- Who are the victims?
Paul Doyle, the father who turned celebration into devastation at Liverpool parade
14:08 , Rebecca Whittaker
Paul Doyle, the father who turned celebration into devastation at Liverpool parade
'The day of incredible joy ended in unimaginable circumstances,' said Liverpool FC
13:52 , Rebecca WhittakerA Liverpool FC spokesman said: “Our victory parade last May allowed an unprecedented number of Liverpool fans to celebrate together our Premier League title win – something we were unable to do in 2020.
“The day of incredible joy ended in unimaginable circumstances and we hope today’s conviction brings some peace to all those affected by the horrific incident. Our thoughts are with them all.
“We would like to thank our emergency services and partner agencies – Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, Merseyside Fire & Rescue and members of the public who responded with such bravery and compassion on the day.
“Their actions undoubtedly saved lives and exemplified the spirit of our city.”
Watch: Couple at Liverpool parade feared baby son had died after pram was flung 15ft down road
13:49 , Rebecca WhittakerHe seemed like the perfect family man. Then he brought chaos to Liverpool
13:20 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle had a loving bond with his wife and children and was known as a ‘good guy’ in the community.
Then he drove his car into a crowd of innocent football fans in an act of ‘calculated violence’ which left more than 130 people injured.
Neighbours in his quiet neighbourhood tell Alex Ross why they are still in disbelief.
Read more here:
The ‘perfect’ family man who brought chaos to Liverpool in 7 minutes of violence
What charges did Doyle plead guilty to?
12:50 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle pleaded guilty to admitted dangerous driving, affray and 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
He also admitted nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
A jury had been sworn in for his trial on Tuesday but the following day, when the prosecution case was due to be opened, Doyle was asked to re-enter his pleas to the charges.
He sat with his head down and sobbed as he changed his pleas, speaking with a broken voice as he occasionally wiped away tears as the charges were read to him again.
Who is Paul Doyle?
12:37 , Rebecca WhittakerDoyle was married to his wife for 20 years and had three children, neighbours said.
The family lived in a smart detached home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, where spacious properties command an average selling price of £217,000.
Doyle’s LinkedIn profile says he was a Royal Marine commando between 1990 and 1994 before working in IT and cyber security.
He graduated with a BSc in Psychology and Maths from the University of Liverpool in 1998 and set up his own retail business, called Far Out Caps, 10 years later.
Neighbours say he was working in cyber security at the time of the offence.
Outside of work, people who knew him said he was sporty, and he would often be seen running or on his bicycle when outside the house.
Photos on social media show him enjoying various family holidays, including trips to Disneyland, Florida and Dubai.
But today, Paul Doyle faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting driving a car into a crowd at Liverpool’s victory parade.
Watch: Emotional Liverpool parade crash witness recalls moment she knew something was wrong
12:30 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle, the father and ex-Royal Marine commando who turned celebration into devastation at Liverpool parade
12:18 , Rebecca WhittakerHe was a family man highly respected in his community. But today, Paul Doyle faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting driving a car into a crowd at Liverpool’s victory parade - turning a day of celebration into devastation.
Read more here by Alex Ross:
Paul Doyle, the father who turned celebration into devastation at Liverpool parade
Watch: CCTV shows moment car enters parade street before hitting crowd of Liverpool fans
12:02 , Rebecca Whittaker'What should have been a day of celebration for the city turned into a distressing and frightening experience,' said Merseyside Police
11:58 , Amy-Clare MartinFollowing Doyle’s change to guilty pleas, Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “It is hard to forget the shocking scenes from that day.
“What should have been a day of celebration for the city turned into a distressing and frightening experience which we know continues to have a physical and psychological impact on many people.
“Thousands of people had gathered in the city to watch the Liverpool FC parade and it is only by sheer luck that nobody was killed because of Doyle’s reckless actions.
“In just seven minutes his dangerous driving meant that his car collided with more than 100 people, including children, in some cases trapping people underneath and causing serious injuries.”
He continued: “We know that a lot of people are still recovering from the injuries they suffered on that day and our thoughts remain with them and those that continue to be affected.
“We hope that the knowledge Doyle is now facing a considerable prison sentence will be able to help those affected to move on with their lives.”
Pictured: Police and forensic officers at the scene
11:55 , Rebecca Whittaker
Pictured: Paul Doyle who admitted 31 offences at Liverpool Crown Court
11:53 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle, 54, pictured as he dramatically changes his plea to guilty on the second day of the trial.
Doyle told to expect ‘custodial sentence of some length’
11:42 , Amy-Clare MartinDoyle has been told to expect a lengthy prison sentence after he admitted to 31 charges after he ploughed into crowds at the victory parade.
Remanding him in custody, the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary, said: “It’s inevitable that there will be a custodial sentence of some length and you must prepare yourself for that outcome.”
He is due to sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 15 and 16 December.
Paul Doyle's actions 'endangered lives and brought chaos upon a community,' says chief crown prosecutor
11:41 , Rebecca WhittakerSarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Today’s convictions bring a measure of justice for an act that caused unimaginable harm during what should have been a day of celebration for the city of Liverpool.
“Paul Doyle has been held responsible for his deliberate actions that endangered lives and brought chaos upon a community. A total of 134 people were injured, including children as young as six months. This attack did not just harm individuals — it struck at the heart of a city united in joy, leaving fear in its wake.
“By entering guilty pleas, Doyle has finally accepted that he intentionally drove into crowds of innocent people during Liverpool FC’s victory parade.
“Dashcam footage from Doyle’s vehicle shows that as he approached Dale Street and Water Street, he became increasingly agitated by the crowds. Rather than wait for them to pass, he deliberately drove at them, forcing his way through.
“Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence. This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle — it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem.
“I would like to commend the bravery of emergency services who acted swiftly at the scene. There can be no doubt that their actions saved lives.
“Liverpool as a city has shown resilience and unity in the face of this awful act, and I hope the victims, their families and anyone affected will feel justice has been done.”
Doyle was visibly upset as he changed his pleas to guilty
11:36 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle held his head down and sobbed as he changed his pleas to guilty on the second day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The 54-year-old spoke with a broken voice as he occasionally wiped away tears as the charges were read to him again.
The Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC eventually allowed Doyle to sit in the dock midway through changing his pleas as he was visibly upset throughout the hearing.
Doyle changes plea and admits ploughing into fans
11:31 , Amy-Clare MartinA former Royal Marine has changed his plea and admitted ploughing into football fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, injuring 134 people.
Paul Doyle, 54, had initially denied 31 charges relating to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77 years, after the Ford Galaxy Titanium collided with crowds.
However, he dramatically changed his plea on the second day of his trial.
Appearing wearing a dark suit and tie, Doyle bowed his head and clasped his hands together as he admitted to 31 charges.
He was allowed to sit down as he sobbed in the dock as each charge was put to him.
Who are the victims?
10:34 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle has been accused of ploughing his car into football fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, injuring 134 people.
Following the incident fire crews worked to free several people who were trapped under the car and dozens were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The youngest alleged victim is Teddy Eveson, aged six months.
Seven other children, who Mr Doyle is alleged to have either injured or attempted to injure, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle pleads not guilty to dangerous driving after car ploughed into fans
10:30 , Amy-Clare Martin
Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle pleads not guilty to dangerous driving
Who is representing Paul Doyle?
10:24 , Rebecca WhittakerIt is the second day of Paul Doyle’s trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
He is represented by Simon Csoka KC and Damian Nolan, and has pleaded not guilty to affray and dangerous driving.
What are the charges?
10:14 , Amy-Clare MartinPaul Doyle is accused of ploughing his car into football fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, injuring 134 people.
The former Royal Marine, 53, denies 31 charges relating to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77 years, after the Ford Galaxy Titanium collided with crowds.
The incident occurred as fans were gathered on Water Street just after 6pm on 26 May to celebrate the football team’s Premier League title win.
Doyle, of Croxteth, denies dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
