Liverpool Parade Tragedy: Man Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving and Multiple GBH Charges

Police can confirm Paul Doyle has today, Wednesday 26 November, pleaded guilty to 31 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, attempting to cause GBH, dangerous driving and affray.

Doyle, 54, formerly of Burghill Road, West Derby, was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court in relation to the incident on Water Street in Liverpool on Monday 26 May this year in which more than 100 adults and children were injured after his Ford Galaxy drove into a crowd of pedestrians.

Today Doyle pleaded guilty to 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, three counts of wounding and one count each of dangerous driving and affray.

The case has been adjourned for sentencing on 15 and 16 December and Doyle has been further remanded into custody.

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.

“His driving, even before he reached Dale Street, was aggressive and dangerous and he was seen to undertake vehicles, jump lanes and run through a red light.

“Doyle circumvented the traffic system put in place by the event managers, Liverpool City Council, and swore at fans before ploughing into them as they tried to make their way out of Dale Street and Water Street.

“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.

“The exceptional work of the emergency services including police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the North West Ambulance Service, St John's Ambulance and HM Coastguard should be recognised as they came to the aid of victims, extracting four people from underneath Doyle’s car and treating a number of others.

“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.

“Doyle was quickly apprehended by officers at the scene and has been in custody since and we have been working closely with our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of the trial. I would also like to acknowledge the mutual aid assistance we have received from neighbouring police forces during this investigation.

“Doyle has today pleaded guilty to all offences and will now be sentenced on 15 and 16 December.

“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.”