Former Royal Marine Paul Doyle Appears in Court Following Liverpool Parade Crash

Liverpool, UK – Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old former Royal Marine, today, Friday, May 30, 2025, made his first appearance in court in connection with the shocking incident where his car ploughed into a crowd of people following Liverpool FC's Premier League title victory parade on Monday. Doyle, visibly emotional throughout the proceedings, is facing a total of seven serious charges, including multiple counts of wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, attempted GBH with intent, and dangerous driving. The incident on Water Street in the city centre resulted in a staggering 79 people sustaining injuries, ranging in age from nine to 78.
The incident unfolded just before 6:00 PM BST on Monday, May 26, when a Ford Galaxy driven by Doyle reportedly entered a section of Water Street that was crowded with jubilant Liverpool fans. Initial reports suggested that the vehicle may have followed an ambulance through a temporary road block that had been lifted to allow the emergency vehicle access to someone suffering a heart attack. This maneuver, however, led to the car being driven into the dense crowd, transforming a celebratory atmosphere into one of chaos and fear. Eyewitness accounts and circulating video footage depicted horrific scenes, with individuals being struck and, in some cases, thrown into the air, as the vehicle swerved into the packed street.
Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, Liverpool, was escorted into the dock at Liverpool Magistrates' Court wearing a black suit, grey tie, and white shirt. He spoke quietly only to confirm his date of birth and age, keeping his head down for much of the brief hearing. The severity of the charges reflects the scale of the injuries and the distress caused by the incident. Specifically, the charges against him are:
 * Two counts of wounding with intent: These charges relate to alleged victims who suffered injuries with the intent to cause harm.
 * **Two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent: These are even more serious charges, indicating a deliberate act to cause severe bodily harm.
 * Two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent: These charges cover instances where there was an intent to cause serious harm, even if the full extent of the injury was not inflicted.
 * One count of dangerous driving: This overarching charge relates to the manner in which the vehicle was driven, posing a significant risk to public safety.
Notably, a wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge specifically relate to a child, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the injuries inflicted. Police confirmed that all 79 injured individuals were British, and several remain in hospital in stable condition.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has stated that the investigation is still in its early stages, and the charges will be kept "under review as the investigation progresses." Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, Sarah Hammond, emphasized the extensive work being undertaken by prosecutors and police, reviewing a vast volume of evidence, including multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. She highlighted the paramount importance of ensuring that every victim receives the justice they deserve.
The incident sent shockwaves across Liverpool and beyond, turning a day of joyous celebration into one of collective trauma. The immediate aftermath saw an outpouring of support for the victims, with an emergency fund being set up to assist those affected. The community rallied together, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. While police have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related, the motivations behind Doyle's actions remain a central focus of the ongoing investigation.
Doyle's appearance in court marks the formal commencement of what is expected to be a complex and highly scrutinized legal process. As a father-of-three and a local businessman, his neighbors reportedly expressed shock and disbelief following his arrest. The case is likely to delve into his background and any factors that may have contributed to the tragic events of that day. The legal proceedings will aim to establish the full truth of what transpired and hold those responsible accountable for the extensive harm caused to the victims and the wider community. Further court dates and a potential trial will follow as the investigation continues to gather and analyze all available evidence.
Source@BBC