A former Royal Marine accused of deliberately driving into crowds at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade has had 24 more charges added to his case, bringing the total to 31.
Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, Liverpool, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he wept throughout proceedings. The new charges include 23 counts of assault and one of affray, in addition to the original seven counts brought in May. Six of the charges relate to children, including a six-month-old and a seven-month-old baby, with the oldest victim aged 77.
The alleged incident took place on 26 May, when thousands of Liverpool fans gathered in Water Street to celebrate the club’s first parade of a Premier League title since 1990. Prosecutors say Doyle “used his car as a weapon,” driving a dark grey Ford Galaxy into the crowd after following an ambulance past a cordon. Mobile footage captured the vehicle ploughing through fans, with screams heard before the car stopped, only to lurch forward again.
Four people, including a child, were trapped beneath the vehicle before being freed by firefighters. In total, 134 people were injured. Merseyside Police have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Doyle, a father of three and former commando, previously competed in triathlons and ran a now-dissolved business. He was due to enter a plea, but the hearing was adjourned until 4 September.
The original charges included two counts of wounding with intent, two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and one of dangerous driving. A wounding charge and an attempted GBH count relate to children aged 11 and 17.
The case has drawn national attention, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling the incident “appalling” and praising the swift response of emergency services. Liverpool FC has said it remains in direct contact with police.