Liverpool parade attacker Paul Doyle has been jailed for 21 years and six months, after ploughing his car into 134 football fans during a two-minute anger-fuelled rampage.
The 54-year-old wept in the dock throughout his two-day hearing which saw 78 of his victims recall being left with “flashbacks” and “emotional and physical injuries”.
The former Royal Marine had driven his two-tonne Ford Galaxy vehicle through the crowds in a “rage”, after his “anger had completely taken hold of him”. Horrifying dashcam footage was displayed to the court with the defendant heard shouting “move”, “f****** p*****” and “get out the f****** way”.
A “hero” ex-soldier Daniel Barr managed to bring the vehicle to a stop by climbing into the passenger seat and putting the gearstick into park, preventing further injuries.
Upon being arrested, Doyle told officers in the back of a police van: “I’ve just ruined my family’s life.”
Judge Andrew Menary KC said he had caused a “scene of devastation” and that his “disregard for human life defies ordinary understanding.”
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Doyle had previous convictions for violence, which included biting a man’s ear during a drunken brawl, and a fight within a nightclub.
Doyle previously pleaded guilty to 31 offences relating to seriously injuring people during the victory parade in May.
Key Points
- Doyle sentenced to prison for 21 years and six months
- Former Royal Marine bit ear off man in ‘drunken fight with sailors’
- Doyle struck man ‘several times in the face’ at nightclub 34 years ago
- Parade attacker sobs in dock as court hears of victim's flesh-eating disease
- 'Horror on a level not previously encountered by this court', says judge
- Paul Doyle is 'horrified' by his actions, court hears
Starmer hails ex-soldier who stopped Doyle as a 'hero'
16:26 , Holly EvansThe prime minister has hailed the ex-soldier who stopped the Liverpool parade crash driver’s car as a hero.
Asked if Sir Keir Starmer considers Dan Barr a hero for his actions in stopping the car of Paul Doyle, who drove through crowds at Liverpool FC’s victory parade in May, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Yes. I think the police statement makes that clear.
“I think the Prime Minister would echo the police’s remarks in relation to that individual.”
The spokesman would not be drawn into saying whether Mr Barr should be given an honour for his actions, but added: “I think it is fair to say that we acknowledge the bravery of that individual in this case.”
Responding to the end of Doyle’s case, the spokesman said: “Obviously the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with the families of the victims of this horrific incident. One of the victims was just six months old, so his thoughts are very much with them today.
“In terms of the verdict, that is a matter for the courts.”
What did the judge say?
15:44 , Holly EvansSentencing judge Andrew Menary KC told the defendant he acted in an “inexplicable and undiluted fury” when he ploughed into crowds.
He told Doyle: “It is almost impossible to comprehend how any right-thinking person could act as you did.
“To drive a vehicle into crowds of pedestrians with such persistence and disregard for human life defies ordinary understanding.”
The judge added: “Your actions caused horror and devastation on a scale not previously encountered by this court.”
Liverpool FC remind supporters of mental health support
15:22 , Holly EvansLiverpool FC have shared a statement on Paul Doyle’s sentencing and reminding their fans of various mental health support networks available.
In a post on X, the club wrote: “Liverpool FC would like to remind supporters that a variety of free resources are available for anyone affected by this incident to access to care for their mental health.”
Paul Doyle was sentenced today, having pled guilty to crimes committed at the LFC victory parade in May.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 16, 2025
We would like to remind supporters that a variety of free resources are available for anyone affected by this incident to access to care for their mental health.
‘My baby was flung 15ft in the Liverpool parade attack. It’s a miracle he’s still alive’
15:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAs Sheree Aldridge’s baby son Teddy celebrates his first birthday, the 37-year-old says it’s a miracle he survived – but that the terrifying events of the Liverpool parade still haunt her.
Read more here by Alex Ross:
‘My baby was flung 15ft at Liverpool parade. It’s a miracle he’s still alive’
Watch: Liverpool parade crash: How the tragedy unfolded
14:50 , Rebecca WhittakerCity mayor hopes sentencing would bring 'closure' to victims
14:45 , Rebecca WhittakerMayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said he hoped the sentencing would bring “some measure of closure” to victims.
He said: “Nothing can undo the physical and emotional trauma that many people will continue to live with. But it’s important that anyone affected knows support is still available – not just now, but in the months and years ahead.
“I want to thank Merseyside Police and all the emergency services for their professionalism and compassion in the immediate aftermath.
“And I want to pay tribute to the ordinary people of our city who ran towards danger – helping strangers, offering first aid, opening their homes, and doing whatever they could in the moments that mattered most. Their collective response showed the very best of our region at such a difficult time.”
Doyle 'generated horror and chaos' and intended on causing serious harm, prosecutor said
14:40 , Rebecca WhittakerPaul Doyle intended on causing serious harm and “generated horror and chaos”, specialist prosecutor James Allison, of CPS Mersey Cheshire’s Complex Casework Unit said.
“In seven minutes of dangerous driving, Doyle, a middle-aged family man, used that vehicle as a weapon hitting more than one hundred people, including children, babies and the elderly. When it eventually ended, he had trapped some of them underneath his vehicle,” he said.
“He not only injured many people, but he also generated horror and chaos on what was meant to be a day of celebration and joyfulness.
“The reason why he did it? The truth is as simple as it is awful, Paul Doyle lost his temper and, in a rage, drove into people, intending to cause them serious harm.
Law firm representing Liverpool fans says it's now helping clients to rebuild their lives
14:35 , Rebecca WhittakerThe law firm representing a number of Liverpool fans who were at the parade said now the criminal case is over the firm will be helping their clients to rebuild their lives.
Matthew Garson, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “What should have been a day of joy and celebration turned to absolute shock and horror, which will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
“It still remains difficult for many in the community to understand the events that unfolded that day.
“While the criminal case and sentencing hearing has shed more light on Doyle’s actions, as a Liverpool-based firm we continue to see first-hand the fallout from that day and how many people continue to live with the physical and psychological effects.
“Nothing can make up for what they’ve been through, but now the criminal case is over, our focus is on supporting our clients to access the specialist help and rehab they need to try and rebuild their lives.”
'No prison sentence will be able to undo his actions,' police say
14:25 , Rebecca WhittakerSenior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “Paul Doyle is today starting a lengthy prison sentence as a consequence of his actions on 26 May this year.
“It is difficult to comprehend the devastating impact the events of that day have had, and continue to have, on so many people.
“On what should have been a day of celebration for the city, Doyle chose to act in an aggressive and dangerous manner with no regard for the safety and wellbeing of other people.
“No prison sentence will be able to undo his actions on that day or heal those who continue to suffer physically and psychologically as a result of what they endured and witnessed on the streets of the city.”
Victims 'still have so many unanswered questions'
14:15 , Holly EvansOutside Liverpool Crown Court, Chantal Rabbetts, from law firm Bond Turner, representing a number of Paul Doyle’s victims, said: “Our clients are relieved the criminal investigation has now come to a conclusion and they can start to move on with their recovery.
“However, it is difficult to do so when there are still so many unanswered questions around the motivation for this crime.
“Why Paul Doyle chose to act in this was on 26th May, we may never really know.
“What we do know is that our clients are still living with the effects of his actions, both physically and mentally.
“We are pleased to have been able to get them access to early rehabilitation but the fact is they will all have to live with the scars of that day for some time yet.
“Ultimately, our clients came to Liverpool city centre to celebrate with the whole city and what should have been a memorable and joyful day is now being remembered for all the wrong reasons.”
Recap: Judge tells Doyle 'all of your victims were vulnerable' -
14:05 , Alex RossAs Judge Menary prepared to deliver sentence for Doyle, he explained the factors included in his calculation.
He told Doyle: “All of your victims were vulnerable because they were pedestrians of all ages and abilities, confronted by an oncoming vehicle travelling at speed while hemmed in by dense crowds.”
Recap: Judge says day of 'celebration' turned into 'chaos' -
13:55 , Alex RossIn describing what happened at the Liverpool parade, Judge Andrew Menary said a consistent pattern of trauma emerged.
“Nightmares, flashbacks, panic attackers, hypervigilance, diminished confidence and withdrawal from day-to-day activities,” he said.
He added: “What should have been a day of communal celebration has instead left a lasting legacy of fear, injury and loss across the community.”
Recap: Judge says many believed it was a 'mass-casualty terror attack'
13:45 , Alex RossAs we’ve reported many victims said they thought that Paul Doyle’s actions at the Liverpool parade were a terrorist attack.
During his sentencing, Mr Menary said: “Parents and children, police officers, grandparents, students, tourists and passers-by were all caught up in events which many believed, in the moment, to be a mass-casualty attack.”
Doyle 'generated horror and chaos', say CPS
13:40 , Holly EvansThe CPS said in a statement that in "seven minutes of dangerous driving", Paul Doyle, "a middle-aged, family man," used his car as a weapon hitting more than one hundred people.
Specialist Prosecutor James Allison said: "He not only injured many people, but he also generated horror and chaos on what was meant to be a day of celebration and joyfulness," he says.
"The reason why he did it? The truth is as simple as it is awful, Paul Doyle lost his temper and, in a rage, drove into people, intending to cause them serious harm."
What was Paul Doyle convicted of?
13:32 , Holly EvansPaul Doyle was convicted of 31 offences at Liverpool Crown Court and has now been jailed for 21 years and six months.
This includes:
- Dangerous driving
- Nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- 17 counts of attempting to causing grievous bodily harm
- Three counts of wounding with intent
- One count of affray
Watch: Liverpool parade attacker jailed for 21 years
13:30 , Holly EvansRecap: Judge struggled for words to describe impact of Doyle's actions
13:28 , Alex RossFollowing the jailing Paul Doyle for 21 years and six months, after he pleaded guilty to 31 charges relating to Liverpool parade, we’re going to look back at what Judge Menary said on Doyle’s actions.
He said: “The footage is truly shocking. It is difficult, if not impossible, to convey in words alone the scene of devastation you caused.
“It shows you, quite deliberately, accelerating into groups of fans time and time again. You struck people head-on, knocked others onto the bonnet, drove over limbs, crushed prams and forced those nearby to scatter in terror.
“You ploughed on, at speed and over a considerable distance, violently knocking people asisde or simply driving over them.
“Person after person after person after person.”
Merseyside Police say Doyle had 'no regard for safety and wellbeing' of others
13:27 , Holly EvansSenior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “Paul Doyle is today starting a lengthy prison sentence as a consequence of his actions on 26 May this year.
“It is difficult to comprehend the devastating impact the events of that day have had, and continue to have, on so many people.
“On what should have been a day of celebration for the city Doyle chose to act in an aggressive and dangerous manner with no regard for the safety and wellbeing of other people.
“No prison sentence will be able to undo his actions on that day or heal those who continue to suffer physically and psychologically as a result of what they endured and witnessed on the streets of the city.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected and I hope that now the judicial process has finished those people will be able to start moving on and rebuild their lives.
“I hope that the prison sentence will also give Doyle the chance to reflect on his actions and they impact they had.
“This has been one of the most extensive investigations in the history of Merseyside Police and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team for their hard work and diligence.”
Watch: How the Liverpool parade crash tragedy unfolded
13:20 , Holly EvansIn focus: Inside the dark past of Liverpool crash driver Paul Doyle
13:19 , Holly EvansA former Royal Marine who caused chaos and devastation by ploughing his car into crowds of people at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade this year was jailed three decades ago for biting part of a person’s ear off in a “drunken fight with a sailor”.
Paul Doyle has been described by neighbours as the “perfect family man” and has been painted as an educated person of good character who worked as an IT professional after military service.
But during his sentencing on Tuesday, after the 54-year-old pleaded guilty to 31 charges relating to the mowing down of supporters in May this year, it emerged that Doyle has a criminal past.
Read the full article from our reporter Alex Ross here:
Hero Daniel Barr receives thanks from Judge and gets High Sheriff Award for bravery
13:15 , Alex RossAfter giving sentencing and sending Doyle away, Judge Menary takes a moment to single out Daniel Barr, who we heard bravely got into the back of Doyle’s car and put the automatic gear stick into “brake”.
His actions, the court heard, helped bring Doyle’s car to a halt.
Judge Menary awards the High Sheriffs Award for bravery with a monetary award of £250.
He says: “You have the thanks and recognition of the court.”
As the victims leave the court, many go to Mr Barr and shake his hand.
You can read this story here:
‘Hero’ ex-soldier who ended Paul Doyle’s Liverpool rampage says ‘I’d do it again’
Images released of Paul Doyle's car driving through crowds
13:14 , Holly Evans
‘Hero’ ex-soldier who climbed into Paul Doyle’s car to stop Liverpool parade rampage says ‘I’d do it again’
13:10 , Holly EvansA “hero” former soldier who climbed into the passenger seat of Paul Doyle’s car and brought his anger-fuelled rampage at the Liverpool FC victory parade to a stop has said he would “do it again”.
Daniel Barr managed to move the gearstick to park mode and said that Doyle could not have prevented him even if he had “chopped my arm off”.
Prior to Mr Barr’s actions, Doyle had driven through the crowds celebrating Liverpool FC winning the Premier League, injuring 134 people on 26 May.
Police and prosecutors have praised the 41-year-old’s actions, stating Doyle would likely have gone on to cause more injuries if he had not intervened.
Read the full article here:
‘Hero’ ex-soldier who ended Paul Doyle’s Liverpool rampage says ‘I’d do it again’
Loved ones of attacker 'bewildered' by his actions
13:09 , Holly EvansPrior to his sentence being passed, the court has heard that Doyle is a “devoted husband and father”, and has been described by his friends and family as having led a “disciplined and responsible life for many years”.
“These people are as bewildered as everyone else by the shocking events of 26th of May and describing it as wholly out of character.”
Doyle sentenced to prison for 21 years and six months
13:04 , Alex RossThere are whispered cheers among a couple of victims as Doyle is given a jail term of 21 years and six months in prison.
Sentence will be 'devastating' for Doyle's family
13:02 , Alex RossAddressing Doyle’s family, Judge Menary says: “The sentence will have devastating impact on you and more importantly your wife and children.”
Judge Menary then says that Doyle will not get an increased deduction of 10 per cent from his sentence after his guilty plea, on the second day of the trial.
'Perhaps [you] always had issues of temper' - Judge to Doyle
13:00 , Alex RossJudge Menary is now going over Doyle’s convictions as a young man, when he was jailed for 12 months after biting a man’s ear off.
But he says Doyle “turned his life around” since his release of jail, and is now married and had a successful career.
He says: “Although you are not a man of previous good character and perhaps always had issues of temper, you have not committed an offence for many years.”
Doyle showed 'inexplicable and undiluted fury'
12:58 , Holly EvansEarlier, Judge Menary said Paul Doyle acted in an “inexplicable and undiluted fury” when he ploughed into crowds at Liverpool’s victory parade.
He said: “A number of witnesses, including serving police officers, describe you continuing to press the accelerator, even when people were visibly underneath the car.
“Your shouted expressions of frustration underline your state of mind at the time – not fear or panic, but an inexplicable and undiluted fury.”
'Each time you could have stopped but you chose to continue'
12:56 , Holly EvansJudge Andrew Menary KC said that during two minutes, Paul Doyle drove his vehicle into and over more than 100 people.
He said: “You paused twice during this rampage. Each time you could have stopped but you chose to continue.”
The judge went on to say: “Several people became trapped beneath the vehicle as you continued to move it.”
Sentencing 'far from straight forward' - Judge
12:56 , Alex RossDue to the number of victims and seriousness of the case, Judge Menary says the sentencing is “far from straight forward”.
He says: “The truth as captured on your dashcam is that you lost your temper in a rage, determined to force your way through the crowd regardless of consequences.
“You admit you intend to cause serious harm to that end, even to children.”
Tense atmosphere in court as victims' names read out
12:53 , Alex RossAs Judge Meanary goes through each of the victims, there is notable reaction from some of those in court.
Some hold each other, one person shakes their head and another looks straight at Doyle in the dock.
This is understandably a tense moment many have been waiting for, in the hope they finally get closure.
Doyle had shown 'impatience and arrogance'
12:49 , Alex RossEarlier, Judge Andrew Menary KC told Paul Doyle: “For no reason other than impatience and arrogance, your driving into the city was routinely dangerous.
“In poor weather conditions you repeatedly undertook other vehicles, took road hazards too quickly and drove through traffic lights at a junction.”
The judge said that on Dale Street Doyle’s driving was “aggressive and dangerous”, telling him: “You frightened pedestrians, leaning on your horn and shouting obscenities such as ‘get out of the f****** way’.”
Sentencing begins
12:34 , Alex RossJudge Andrew Menary KC is now delivering Paul Doyle’s sentence.
Victims in the court can be seen holding each other as we await the sentence.
Doyle feels 'deep sorrow and shame' over actions
12:33 , Holly EvansThe court heard that Doyle has changed his life since his previous convictions over three decades ago.
Simon Csoka KC said: “Upon his release from prison he transformed his life by going to uniiversity, has worked hard since, had a successful career in IT, raised a family with his wife, they have 3 children.
“The court has been provided with a large number of character references, he was very active in his community, and has engaged with charity fundraising activities. All of those people speak of a kind, generous and selfless man.
“It’s part of the paradox of this case that how they know him is so different to the way he behaved. They all find his actions incomprehensible and so utterly unlike the man they know. Again, perhaps that fed into the difficulty in the defendant coming to recognise what he did and accepting what he did.
“We can only emphasise the deep sorrow and shame that the defendant feels.
“We accept those are only words, the defendant can see they are only words and they will provide no comfort to those hurt and who have suffered. This is an extremely unusual case factually and there is a degree of incomprehensibility about it.”
'A kind, generous and selfless man' - character references on Doyle
12:32 , Alex RossThe court is now being told about Doyle’s life, after his release from prison in the 1990s.
Simon Csoka KC, representing him says Doyle “transformed” his life.
He said: “All of those people [who knew him] speak of a kind, generous and selfless man.
“It’s part of the paradox of this case of how they know him is so different to how he behaved.”
Why Doyle first showed denial to the charges
12:27 , Alex RossSimon Csoka KC, representing Paul Doyle, accepts there was initially a denial to the offences.
He says: “The defendant wasn’t able to reconcile the man he had been for the past 30 years with the way he had behaved [at the Liverpool parade].
“In the same way that no one who knew him could believe it.”
Doyle sobs as his barrister gives his mitigation
12:24 , Alex RossPaul Doyle sobs as his defence barrister Simon Csoka KC began his mitigation at Liverpool Crown Court.
He nods when Mr Csoka said he accepted that his driving caused the crowd to react in the way they did towards him on Dale Street, before he drove directly into people.
Paul Doyle is 'horrified' by his actions and takes full responsibility, court hears
12:21 , Holly EvansSimon Csoka KC, representing Paul Doyle, said that he is “horrified” by his actions, and accepts full responsibility.
“My Lord, we make it clear that the defendant is horrified by what occurred. Horrified by the consequences of what occurred.
“He’s remorseful, ashamed and deeply sorry for all those who were hurt. He accepts full responsibility.“He expects no sympathy. Nevertheless, it is important we emphasise and stated his remorse,” Mr Csoka KC said.
He told the court: "His decision to turn left towards the crowds was not warranted or proportionate. It was a quick decision made by him in those circumstances. Once he continued to drive serious injury was inevitable, I should add it was obvious it was forseen by him as seen by the dashcam.
"The paradox of that day is that he was doing a favour for a friend, it was an ordinary day, he did not have any motive in the ordinary sense to cause serious injury nor did he have desire in the ordinary sense to cause injury."
Mitigation for Paul Doyle begins
12:19 , Alex RossWe’re now hearing from Simon Csoka KC, who is mitigating on behalf of Paul Doyle.
He starts by saying his client feels remorse for his actions at the Liverpool parade.
Victims discuss Doyle's previous convictions
12:09 , Alex RossWe’ve just had a short break, which has given everyone a chance to digest the previous convictions for Paul Doyle, provided by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Outside the courtroom, some victims were stood discussing the convictions.
Court takes a short break
12:02 , Holly EvansThe court has taken a short break before we hear mitigation from Paul Doyle’s lawyer.
We’ll be back at 12.10pm.
Maximum sentence is life imprisonment
11:50 , Holly EvansNow approaching the sentencing guidelines, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has said the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
He said that the “culpability of the defendant is high”, given that several of the victims were vulnerable due to their age, with the youngest victim being six months old and the eldest being 77 years old.
He added that Doyle had used “the equivalent of a highly dangerous weapon”, with his Ford Galaxy weighing nearly two tonnes.
He added that many had suffered injuries, including Ms Passey who sustained “multiple injuries” and Robin Drake, who spent three months in a wheelchair.
Victims react to the Doyle's previous convictions
11:49 , Alex RossFor the first time, we’ve been told that Doyle had previous convictions for violence, including for biting a man’s ear off in a “drunken fight with sailors”.
Because of legal restrictions, the Crown Prosecution Service hasn’t been able to provide this until now.
When those convictions were read out, some of the victims looked at each other in reaction.
Doyle still sits with his head down in the dock.
Doyle had taken steps after convictions for a ‘positive and productive life’
11:45 , Alex RossProsecutor Paul Greaney KC tells the court that the offences took place while Doyle was aged between 18 and 22, but following his release from prison in 1995, he took “steps to live a positive and productive life”.
Mr Greaney says Doyle went to university and got work in positions of responsibility. He also started a family.
He adds: “Those efforts to rehabilitate himself after a difficult early adulthood only serve to make more shocking, and tragic what he did in Liverpool that day this May.”
Doyle was discharged from Royal Marines after warning over violence
11:44 , Alex RossAs we’ve heard from the court, Doyle was discharged from the Royal Marines after just 22 months’ service.
Paul Greaney KC, prosecuting, says he received an earlier warning for discharge, before it was implemented after the conviction for the nightclub incident.
Mr Greaney says: “No doubt because of his military offending, the defendant was placed on a 6-month formal warning [for discharge].
He adds: “Then came the conviction for the offence contrary to section 20 on 2nd July 1992 [nightclub attack]. The effect of this conviction was to cause senior officers within the Royal Marines to confirm the defendant’s discharge.”
Doyle bit ear off man in ‘drunken fight with sailors’
11:43 , Alex RossAfter he was discharged from the Royal Marines, Doyle was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
Paul Greaney KC, prosecuting, says a search on the police national database shows the offence involved Doyle “biting off the ear of another man in a fight” in 1993.
Mr Greaney adds: “When interviewed by the police in connection with the current offences, the defendant explained that he had become involved in a drunken fight with sailors.”
Doyle, who also pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, insulting words of behaviour, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
Doyle stuck man ‘several times in the face’ at nightclub 34 years ago
11:39 , Alex RossWe’re now hearing for the first time that Doyle has both civilian and military convictions.
It begins, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC says, in 1989 when Doyle committed a military offence that equated a common assault, and was put in seven days’ detention,
A year later, in 1990, he was fined at Newport Magistrates’ Court of dishonesty,
Then, in 1991, while serving in the Royal Marines, the Police National Computer shows Doyle was recorded to have “struck another person several times in the face with a clenched fist”.
He pleaded guilty to committing section 20 of the Offences Against The Persons Act, and was fined £45 at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
In an interview with police on the Liverpool parade incident, Mr Greaney says Doyle said “he had a scuffle with men in a nightclub which resulted in him being thrown out”.
Mr Greaney adds: “The men he had scuffled with were waiting and he got the better of them he said”
Doyle served in Royal Marines - but was discharged after just 22 months
11:36 , Alex RossIt was reported in the months up to the trial, and now it’s confirmed that Paul Doyle served in the Royal Marines.
Paul Greaney KC, prosecuting, says Doyle was enlisted in 1991, aged 19, after a period serving in the Royal Engineers.
However, Doyle was discharged from the Royal Marines in 1993, just 22 months after enlisting.
Doyle unsuccessfully appealed against the decision.
He never went on active service, says Mr Greaney.
Former soldier who brought car to a stop left with 'no sense of purpose'
11:32 , Holly EvansDaniel Barr, a former soldier who climbed into Doyle’s car and forced it to a stop, has said he has been left feeling “withdrawn” and “distracted” by the incident.
The 41-year-old, who has been described as a “hero”, said: “I am angry when I go to bed. I don’t sleep very well, if at all. I wake up angry. Big things don’t bother me, but little things do. I am quick to anger and slow to hide it.”
He added that he struggled to complete tasks, cannot keep up with conversation and struggles to interact with family and friends.
“I generally feel no sense of purpose and don’t know what to do, and this is without having fully come to terms with what happened that day,” he said.
'I thought it was a terrorist attack'
11:29 , Alex RossLike others who have spoken since the incident, Paul Fitzsimons said he thought it was a terrorist attack.
The 50-year-old, in his victim impact statement read out in court this morning, said: “What I saw that day will never leave me.”
He said he remembered seeing a pram believing that the baby would be dead.
“I saw so many people on the floor who I thought were dead,” he said.
Mr Fitzsimons said he now had regular nightmares of a car targeting him.
He said: “My mindset has changed, I'm scared of things I wasn't scared of beforehand, and I think about it every single day.”
Victim of Ariana Grande terror attack says Doyle has brought back trauma
11:22 , Holly EvansA victim of the 2017 Ariana Grande terrorist attack in Manchester said the incident had “reopened emotional wounds”, and that she now found it “extremely difficult” to be in busy places.
Francesca Massey, 24, said: “The recent event brought back vivid memories of that night – the same overwhelming fear, the moment of stillness before chaos and the desperate rush to escape with the crowd of innocent people around me.
“This is something I felt I had overcome over the past 8 years, and now I feel like I have been set back again, as it reawakened previous trauma.”
Cancer survivor says 'trauma' of attack worse than suffering disease
11:10 , Holly EvansDavid Price, 44, said that he had been invited to the Liverpool parade by his closest friends to celebrate ending treatment for metastatic stage 3c testicular cancer, having nearly lost his life on two occasions.
“This weekend was meant to be joyful, a symbol of recovery and hope after surviving one of the darkest periods of my life,” he said.
“This trauma has taken me to a darker place than even my cancer battle did.”
He added that the “raw and paralysing” fear had remained with him ever since.
'My son thought I was dead', says eldest victim
11:10 , Alex RossA victim impact statement is now being read out for the eldest named victim Susan Passey, aged 77.
She spent 27 nights in hospital and feared she’d never be able to walk again without a frame or walking stick after being hit by Doyle’s car.
She said she depended on her son for care after she was released from hospital.
She said: “I feel hurt my life will never be the same again, through no fault of my own.
“My son Ian witnessed the incident first-hand and saw me underneath the car, he thought I was dead, I worry a great deal about the impact that has had on him. No one should go through that.”
'Our wedding plans are on hold' says victim
11:03 , Alex RossNow, we’re hearing about Hannah O’Neill who says in her victim impact statement that the incident has put on hold her wedding plans.
The 30-year-old says she now suffers severe anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
She used to be a primary carer for her father, she said, but she now has had to step away from the role.
She said: “My fiancé Sam and I are engaged, our wedding plans are now on hold. We’ve had to rebuild everything from scratch and the thought of planning what should be the happiest day of my life feels impossibly far away.
“I used to feel a deep sense of pride and belonging when I looked at the Liverpool skyline. It was my favourite place. Now it fills me with fear and bad memories.”
Man, 62, underwent five operations and left with flesh-eating disease
10:59 , Holly EvansA 62-year-old man has said he endured five operations including a skin graft, and was left in a wheelchair for three months after the attack left him “permanently scarred and disfigured".
Robin Darke had attended the parade with his 29-year-old son Forest and was hit by Doyle’s car, leaving him “in agony and terrified”. An open wound on his ankle became infected and he was diagnosed with a flesh-eating disease.
He now finds walking painful and struggles with the simplest of tasks, including making a cup of tea and getting off the couch.
He said: “The incident has devastated us. I’ve been left with a life changing injury that will never fully heal. I have been told that my condition will also result in reduced life expectancy. I will be more likely to get infection and have to now worry about this. The physical scars are visible, but the emotional ones run deeper. We did not deserve this. No one does.”
Inside the courtroom Doyle bows his head as victim statements are read out
10:57 , Alex RossWe are now about halfway through the victim impact statements being read out in the courtroom.
Each one provides an individual story, with some revealing life-changing injuries and mental conditions.
As they are read out, the victims, sat in the public gallery, appear sombre as they look straight ahead.
This is their opportunity to have their voices heard.
In the dock, Doyle has his head down.
'Mentally it has taken a massive toll on me'
10:51 , Alex RossTeacher Charlie Holmes, aged 26, said he returned to work the week after the incident, in his victim impact statement.
He said: “Mentally, the incident has taken a massive toll on me.
“I am feeling tired and drained constantly since due to the lack of sleep that I am getting and how mentally drained I feel at the end of a workday.”
They said, in their personal life, they have lost motivation to do hobbies, and it has impacted their weight and health.
'Don't sit in the dock and cry for yourself,' says victim
10:46 , Holly EvansAn injured couple, Susan and Colin Farrell, said they had missed two funerals and have not travelled to Liverpool to see family due to their “anxiety and trauma” of returning to the city.
She said: “There are hundreds of people affected by your actions. I want you to think about them all. Don’t sit in the dock and cry for yourself. Think about Colin missing his family. Think about the arguments you have caused. Think about my eldest daughter waiting for treatment. Think about my youngest daughter who had to stand in front of her class and talk about her trip to Liverpool after you drove a car at her. She was brave. She is brave.
“Now you be brave and take accountability for what you did.”
Another woman said that she had attended the Liverpool victory parade alongside her son to honour her husband and his father, who had died two years ago.
Deborah Blair, 55, said that she had been living in “survival mode” since his death, but had felt “genuinely happy” during the parade, as it gave her a “glimpse of normality after so much pain.”
“Since then though I’ve barely left the house. Loud noises make me cower,” she said. “Physically I was left bruised… This incident has had a devastating impact on my mental health. I’m receiving counselling for night terrors, anxiety and depression.”
Case resumes
10:38 , Alex RossIt is a packed courtroom - filled with victims, legal representatives and journalists - as the case resumes.
Paul Doyle is brought into the dock, where he now sits between two security guards with his head bowed.
We’re now hearing more from the 73 victim impact statements.
He seemed like the perfect family man. Then he brought chaos to Liverpool
10:30 , Holly EvansAs tens of thousands of thousands of Liverpool football supporters celebrated their team’s success in the city centre, six miles away, in a leafy cul-de-sac, neighbours spotted a father-of-three slowly reverse out of his drive and pull away.
Believed to have dropped off the family of a work colleague in the city earlier that day, Paul Doyle, now 54, looked to be heading back out to collect them. “Paul, being Paul, the good guy he was, he’d have offered to collect them,” said a neighbour.
But the father-of-three never returned to his home.
Read the full article here:
The ‘perfect’ family man who brought chaos to Liverpool in 7 minutes of violence
Pictured: Former Royal Marine Paul Doyle
10:07 , Holly Evans
‘My baby was flung 15ft in the Liverpool parade attack. It’s a miracle he’s still alive’
09:50 , Holly EvansWalking through crowds of deliriously happy football supporters, Sheree Aldridge carefully pushed her five-month-old baby, Teddy, in his pram. She and her partner, Daniel Eveson, were walking back to their car after Liverpool’s Premier League-winning victory parade – an afternoon of celebration and jubilation for more than a million fans.
Moments later, as the family of three joined Water Street, they heard a loud noise. Then someone shouted “Car”.
Mr Eveson, 37, instantly spun his partner round, away from the impending danger. But it was too late. Paul Doyle’s 1.9-tonne Ford Galaxy crashed into her side, flinging the pram – and her beloved baby boy – 15ft down the road.
Read the full article here:
‘My baby was flung 15ft at Liverpool parade. It’s a miracle he’s still alive’
Inside Liverpool Crown Court ahead of sentencing hearing
09:39 , Alex RossIt’s an hour until the sentencing hearing for Paul Doyle resumes, and like yesterday we are expecting a packed-out courtroom given the public interest in the case.
The case takes place in a courtroom on the fourth floor of Liverpool Crown Court, which is an eight-minute walk from Water Street, where Paul Doyle drove his vehicle at crowds at the Liverpool parade back in May.
Already, there is a queue outside the courthouse, where three rooms have been assigned for the case. There is the courtroom where the hearing takes place, then a room for Doyle’s family and an overflow room for other interested parties.
There are several police officers stationed outside the courtroom.
Victims of Paul Doyle speak of their trauma and 'flashbacks'
09:36 , Holly EvansOn Monday, the victims of Paul Doyle’s rampage during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade spoke of how they have suffered from “emotional and psychological injury” as well as “frequent flashbacks”.
A total of 78 people submitted victim personal statements to the court, in which they described how the “best day ever” soon became the worst.
A 12-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “I found myself on the floor having been hit by a car I did not see coming, I have never felt so scared before in my life.”
In another statement, Anna Bilonozhenko, 43, who came to England in 2024 to escape the war in Ukraine, said she thought spending the day at the parade with her 22-year-old daughter Sasha would “lift our spirits”.
Mr Astbury said that instead she was left with an injury that required metal plates to be inserted into her leg.
Jack Trotter, 23, said “life was a struggle” after the rampage, adding: “Learning to walk again has been a long and often painful process.”
Scott Dolan, 36, said he “lost months of my life not being able to do things I love to do”, and Jessica Fawcett, 21, said she had quit her job as a nursery worker because she could not work on her injured foot all day.
What did the court hear on Monday?
09:20 , Holly Evans- Paul Doyle used a car as a “weapon” to plough through more than 100 people celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title win after his “anger had completely taken hold of him”.
- The 54-year-old wept in court as shocking dashcam footage was shown of his horrific rampage, where he could he heard shouting “f****** p*****” and “get out the f****** way”.
- Prosecutors said in the space of two minutes, Doyle’s Ford Galaxy - which weighed nearly two tonnes - collided with 134 people and he was prepared to cause those in the crowd “serious harm if necessary”.
- Following the rampage, Doyle told officers in the back of a police van: “I’ve just ruined my family’s life.”
- A number of victim impact statements were read to the court by prosecutor Philip Astbury, with some speaking of “flashbacks” and their “emotional and psychological injury”.
‘Enraged’ ex-Royal Marine deployed his car as a weapon to drive into crowds at Liverpool parade
09:14 , Holly EvansAn ex-Royal Marine drove his car into a crowd of people attending Liverpool football club’s victory parade in a rage, using the 1.9-tonne Ford Galaxy as a weapon to strike more than 100 supporters in a two-minute rampage, a court heard.
Harrowing footage played to Liverpool Crown Court showed Paul Doyle, described as a 54-year-old family man, accelerating into the horrified crowd while shouting “Get out of the f***ing way”.
When the vehicle finally stopped, after injuring a total of 134 people, CCTV showed supporters and police swarm in on Doyle, who after his arrest told officers: “I’ve just ruined my family’s life.”
Read the full story from our reporter Alex Ross here:
‘Enraged’ ex-Royal Marine drove into crowds at Liverpool parade, court hears
