The man accused of driving into crowds during Liverpool Football Club's victory parade has dramatically changed his plea to guilty in a courtroom development that has captured national attention.
Courtroom Drama Unfolds
Paul Doyle, 54, appeared in court today where he reversed his previous not guilty plea, admitting to multiple serious charges related to the May 26 incident. The former Royal Marine commando pleaded guilty to nine counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and charges of dangerous driving and affray.
However, Doyle maintained his innocence regarding two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of wounding with intent, and one count of attempting GBH with intent. The emotional courtroom scene saw Doyle wiping away tears as the judge permitted him to sit after entering his plea.
The Fateful Day Details
The incident occurred on May 26 as thousands of football fans celebrated Liverpool's Premier League title win. According to Merseyside Police, Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds on Water Street shortly after 6 p.m., following an ambulance that had been allowed through a temporary roadblock.
The roadblock had been lifted to enable emergency responders to reach a person experiencing a heart attack. Doyle allegedly took advantage of this opening to drive into the celebration area where supporters had begun leaving the parade route.
Widespread Impact and Victims
The consequences of Doyle's actions were devastating. More than 130 people reported injuries following the crash, with victims ranging in age from six months to 77 years old.
Among the youngest victims was Teddy Eveson, whose parents described how the infant was thrown approximately 15 feet down the road in his pram during the incident. Doyle admitted to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to the baby.
The charges relate to 29 victims in total, including five other children who cannot be named for legal reasons. On Monday, November 24, Doyle faced 31 offences, including assault involving a six-month-old and a seven-month-old.
Doyle has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled to begin on December 15. The dramatic plea change comes after he had previously denied all offences connected to the incident.
