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The man who has been accused of ‘using his car as a weapon’ as he ploughed through Liverpool fans appeared emotional as the charges were read out to him.
Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, faces charges including dangerous driving and GBH after dozens of fans were struck while celebrating the Premier League title win.
The former Royal Marine and dad-of-three looked to be holding back tears when he spoke to briefly confirm his name and address at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Phil Astbury, prosecuting, told the court Doyle ‘used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure victims’.
He has been charged with wounding, harming or attempting to harm six people, including two children after ploughing through football fans on Water Street during the parade on Monday evening.
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District Judge Paul Healey denied Doyle bail as he posed a ‘significant risk’ of not appearing at court.
He said: ‘I am satisfied this is a truly exceptional case. It shocked and outraged the people of Liverpool and beyond.’
A provision trial date has been set for November 24, with the case expected to last three to four weeks.
Anonymity was also granted to the six victims named in the charges.
At least 79 people were injured in the crash, with police stating the youngest person injured was nine years old.
Seven people remain in the hospital but they are said to be in a stable condition.
After the decision to charge Doyle was announced, Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said: ‘As always, our thoughts remain with all of those injured and affected by this appalling incident, which took place during the Liverpool Football Club parade on Monday.
‘As you have heard from our CPS colleagues, the man arrested by Merseyside Police following the incident on Water Street has now been charged with seven serious offences.’
She said the full list of charges were:
- Two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of attempted, unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- One count of dangerous driving, contrary to section two of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Police previously said the car, which struck the Liverpool fans, followed an ambulance crew which had been let into Water Street to help treat someone who had a heart attack.
They added road closures were in places on Dale Street – which leads into Water Street – between North John Street and Exchange Street.
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