A Ukrainian woman who sought refuge in the UK from war has described how a violent incident at a Liverpool football celebration became one of the most harrowing experiences of her life.
Anna Bilonozhenko, 43, suffered a fractured right knee after being struck by a Ford Galaxy driven by Paul Doyle during the club's victory parade in May. The vehicle ploughed into more than 130 people in a two-minute rampage.
A Day of Celebration Turns to Terror
Bilonozhenko had moved to the UK from Kyiv with her 22-year-old daughter, Sasha, following Russia's full-scale invasion. She attended the parade hoping to find joy after the death of her mother.
Speaking after Doyle was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court, she recounted the horror. "I remember pushing Sasha out of the way and holding on to the bonnet," she said. "The pain was unbearable because my leg was broken, but I knew I had to try and hold on so I wouldn’t fall under the wheels and die."
She described a moment of sheer terror as the car briefly halted. "I realised that I was lying directly in front of its wheels, and if it moved again, it would run over me." Her daughter managed to drag her to safety seconds before Doyle accelerated again.
Life-Altering Injuries and Ongoing Trauma
The attack left Bilonozhenko with severe physical and psychological wounds. She spent nine days in hospital undergoing surgery that involved metal plates and screws.
For months, she was confined to her home. She continues to endure chronic pain, restricted mobility, and severe psychological trauma. The incident shattered the sense of safety she had begun to build in the UK.
"After a few months of grieving for my mum and slowly beginning to heal, I thought that spending a day out together might help lift our spirits," Bilonozhenko said. "I never imagined that what began as a fun-filled day would turn into one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives."
Shocking Actions and a Lengthy Sentence
The court heard that Doyle, 54, a former Royal Marine, was recorded screaming at supporters to "fucking move" as he drove into the crowd. Judge Andrew Menary KC called his actions "truly shocking" and said they "defied ordinary understanding".
It was revealed that Doyle had a history of convictions in the early 1990s, including one for biting off a man's ear in a pub fight, but had not been in trouble with police for three decades prior to this attack.
In a statement, Bilonozhenko expressed her hope for recovery and a future where she can feel safe again. "I still hope that one day, we will both be able to feel safe again and that by getting the rehabilitation I need, I can overcome my injuries... and give something back to the country that has been so kind and welcoming to us."
