Paul Doyle
Share and Follow

A motorist responsible for injuring over 130 individuals after driving into a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their Premier League victory was sentenced to more than two decades behind bars on Tuesday.

On May 26, Paul Doyle drove his minivan through a throng of supporters, only stopping when a courageous bystander entered the vehicle and shifted it into park, halting the chaotic scene atop the injured.

“The video evidence is truly disturbing,” remarked Judge Andrew Menary at the Liverpool Crown Court.

Paul Doyle
Paul Doyle, 53, was sentenced to over 20 years in prison after injuring more than 130 people when he ploughed his car into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League championship in May. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)

“Words alone cannot adequately describe the devastation you inflicted. The footage reveals your repeated, intentional acceleration into groups of fans,” he added.

During the two-day sentencing, Doyle was visibly upset as the prosecution presented graphic video clips and shared poignant statements from numerous victims, detailing the harrowing event.

Doyle, 54, pleaded guilty last month to 31 counts, including dangerous driving and multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm and intentional wounding.

Prosecutors said Doyle used his vehicle as a weapon to ram through the sea of people walking toward him following the victory parade.

Liverpool car ramming into crowd
xThe 53-year-old rammed his minivan through a sea of fans on May 26 and halted after a bystander got in the vehicle and forced it into park. It came to a stop atop bodies. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

People who scrambled for safety said they feared a terror attack was unfolding.

But the explanation was “as simple as the consequences were awful,” prosecutor Paul Greaney said. Doyle flew into a fury because he couldn’t get where he was going fast enough to pick up a family friend who had attended the parade.

“He was a man in a rage, whose anger had completely taken hold of him,” Greaney said.

The judge dismissed Doyle’s explanation of having panicked as “demonstrably untrue.”

When Doyle was placed in a police van, he said: “I’ve just ruined my family’s life,” Greaney said.

The impact was far broader.

Liverpool car ramming into crowd
Doyle sobbed during the two-day sentencing as prosecutors detailed the crime, using graphic video footage and reading emotional statements from dozens of victims. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

A prosecutor spent hours reading out the statements of victims, some still nursing injuries.

A 16-year-old boy kept awake by nightmares lost his apprenticeship as a woodworker because he couldn’t concentrate. A 23-year-old man had to learn how to walk again. A woman not from the area said the Liverpool accent now triggers anxiety. A woman whose daughter was a die-hard Liverpool fan could no longer watch its matches.

“The sight of red shirts and the sounds of chants are unbearable reminders of that day,” Susan Farrell said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has demanded Anthony Albanese take responsibility for the Bondi terror attacks.

Ex-Treasurer Blasts Prime Minister in Fiery Response to Bondi Terror Attack

The former Liberal treasurer, who is Jewish, gave a fiery speech at…
Australians who lost their retirement fund to be paid back $100m

Aussies Reclaim $100 Million in Lost Retirement Funds: What You Need to Know

Netwealth has reached an agreement with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission…

Heroic Act: Amandeep Savors Sunset Kebab Before Aiding in Capture of Alleged Bondi Shooter

On Sunday evening, Amandeep Singh-Bola went out to get a kebab and…
Avner's Bakery in Surry Hills, a Jewish food institution, is closing down.  Photo shows, Ed Halmagyi, known as "Fast Ed", is an Australian TV presenter, chef, author, photographer, and radio host pictured at his closed bakery.

Iconic Bakery Closes Doors Amid Unrelenting Antisemitic Harassment: A Community in Shock

A Sydney Jewish bakery owned by former TV chef Ed Halmagyi has…
NICK REINER COURT

Nick Reiner Makes Court Appearance in Shackles for Alleged Murder of Parents

Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, made his initial court…
'Miraculous' survival for officer injured in Bondi Beach attack

Heroic Recovery: Officer Defies Odds After Brutal Bondi Beach Assault

Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert remains in critical condition after being shot during…

Nation Mourns as Youngest Bondi Attack Victim is Laid to Rest; Prime Minister Speaks at Multi-Faith Memorial

Matilda was having a delightful time with her loved ones, her face…
Youngest victim of mass shooting to be farewelled today

Community Gathers Today to Honor Youngest Victim of Tragic Shooting

Chabad Bondi has announced the schedule for three funerals set to take…