A man whose road rage spiraled into a horrific attack on a football victory parade has been handed a lengthy prison sentence. Paul Doyle, 54, was jailed for 21 years and six months on Tuesday for deliberately driving his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win.
The Day of Celebration Turned to Carnage
The incident occurred on May 26, 2025, in Liverpool city centre. Hundreds of thousands of fans had gathered for an open-top bus parade after Liverpool FC secured a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. What began as a day of joy quickly descended into chaos shortly after 6pm.
Doyle, a father of two from a Liverpool suburb, was in his Ford Galaxy Titanium to collect a friend. Frustrated by the crowds, he lost his temper. Shocking dashcam footage played in court showed him aggressively beeping, shouting, and swearing at pedestrians to move.
A Vehicle Used as a Weapon
Prosecutor Paul Greaney told Liverpool Crown Court that Doyle used his car as a weapon. Over the course of a terrifying seven minutes, he drove his nearly two-tonne vehicle seemingly indiscriminately into people.
134 people were injured during the rampage. Although no one was killed, 50 required hospital treatment. The victims ranged in age from just six months to 77 years old. In a miraculous escape, a six-month-old baby was flung from his pram but was unhurt.
After hitting his first victims, Doyle continued onto another street, striking more people. He reversed at one point, colliding with others and even an ambulance. The ordeal only ended when a brave pedestrian jumped into the moving car and forced it into park, after several people, including children, had become trapped underneath.
Guilty Plea and Devastating Impact
Paul Doyle initially denied the charges, claiming he panicked. However, he unexpectedly changed his plea on the second day of his trial in November. He pleaded guilty to 31 criminal charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.
Judge Andrew Menary, during the two-day sentencing hearing, told Doyle his actions caused "horror and devastation." He stated that the event left a "lasting legacy of fear, injury and loss" on a community that had gathered to celebrate.
Victim impact statements read in court described permanent injuries, nightmares, and painful memories. Onlookers had initially feared it was a terrorist attack, with scenes of people being driven over and scores lying injured on the street.
Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald described the dashcam footage as the most distressing he had seen in 20 years of service. Paul Doyle sobbed openly as the full consequences of his actions were laid bare before he was led away to begin his substantial prison term.
