Wearing a black suit, white shirt and gray tie, the suburban dad looked emotional as he spoke only to confirm his name, address and birth date during a brief hearing in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court
Paul Doyle, 53, a former Royal Marine and father of three, appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm. Doyle allegedly drove his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League title on Monday, injuring four adults and two children.
Wearing a black suit, white shirt, and gray tie, Doyle appeared emotional but only confirmed his identity during the brief hearing. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Neighbors described Doyle as a “normal” and “well-balanced” middle-class father who owns a business. The incident occurred when Doyle reportedly followed an ambulance through a roadblock and entered a street crowded with fans. Horrifying footage showed the car striking and throwing a person wrapped in a Liverpool flag into the air before swerving into the crowd.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as the city mourned the shocking event amid celebrations of Liverpool’s 20th league title.