News|FootballPaul Doyle, Liverpool football parade driver, jailed for more than 20 yearsEx-Royal Marine drove into a mass of Liverpool fans celebrating Premier League victory in May, injuring more than 130.
A British driver, Paul Doyle, 54, has been sentenced to 21 and a half years for injuring over 130 individuals by driving his minivan into a crowd of Liverpool football fans during a championship victory parade in May.
A British driver, Paul Doyle, 54, has been sentenced to 21 and a half years for injuring over 130 individuals by driving his minivan into a crowd of Liverpool football fans during a championship victory parade in May.
Doyle pleaded guilty to several charges including nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred when Doyle accelerated his vehicle into groups of fans on a street closed to traffic. Dashcam footage presented in court illustrated the impact on both adults and children.
Judge Andrew Menary commented on the severity of the situation, noting the deliberate nature of Doyle's actions as he drove into the crowd repeatedly. The court showed graphic video evidence during the two-day sentencing.
The incident occurred when Doyle accelerated his vehicle into groups of fans on a street closed to traffic.
The victims, ranging from a six-month-old infant to a 77-year-old woman, suffered various degrees of harm. Statements from 78 victims were read in court, highlighting the physical and psychological impact, including a 16-year-old boy who lost an apprenticeship and a 23-year-old man who had to relearn to walk.
The incident was halted when a fan named Dan Barr intervened by placing the gearstick in park mode. Despite Doyle's previous convictions for violence, no defects were found with the vehicle, and he was not under the influence of substances at the time of the incident.
Prosecutor Paul Greaney described Doyle as being in a state of rage during the event. Doyle initially denied the charges but later expressed remorse through his legal representation.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
