A man who deliberately drove his car into a crowd celebrating a Liverpool FC victory parade has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for what a judge described as an act of 'inexplicable and undiluted fury'.
'Truly shocking' footage of the attack
Paul Doyle, 54, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court by Judge Andrew Menary KC. The court heard how Doyle ploughed his vehicle into the jubilant crowds in May, striking 134 people in just two minutes. Passing sentence, Judge Menary stated that the footage of the incident was 'truly shocking' and that it was difficult to convey the devastation in words alone.
A deliberate act of violence
The judge was explicit in his ruling, stating that Doyle had used his car as a weapon against the unsuspecting public. The attack occurred during a parade to mark Liverpool FC's success, turning a day of community celebration into one of terror and injury. Doyle's motivations remain unclear, but the court emphasised the premeditated and violent nature of his actions.
Lengthy prison term imposed
Paul Doyle was handed a custodial sentence of 21 years and six months. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Menary KC told Doyle that his actions had caused widespread trauma and physical harm. The lengthy term reflects the severity of the crime and the significant number of victims involved in the Liverpool parade attack.
The case has left a lasting impact on the city of Liverpool, with the local community and emergency services praised for their response to the major incident. The sentencing brings a measure of closure, but the physical and psychological scars for the 134 injured victims will endure.
