Paul Doyle pleads guilty in Liverpool parade crash trial

Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty

Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial to seriously injuring people when he drove into football fans celebrating Liverpool’s victory parade on May 26.

The 54-year-old admitted dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.

He re-entered his pleas after a jury had been sworn in the previous day. Doyle wept as the charges were read, breaking down in court and wiping away tears. Over 130 people were injured in the attack, including children and elderly spectators.

The youngest victim, Teddy Eveson, six months old, was thrown in his pram, and Doyle admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. Other child victims remain unnamed. The crowd had gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s Premier League win, with the parade coming to an end when the attack occurred.

Sarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Today’s convictions bring a measure of justice for an act that caused unimaginable harm during what should have been a day of celebration for the city of Liverpool.

“Paul Doyle has been held responsible for his deliberate actions that endangered lives and brought chaos upon a community. A total of 134 people were injured, including children as young as six months. This attack did not just harm individuals – it struck at the heart of a city united in joy, leaving fear in its wake.

“By entering guilty pleas, Doyle has finally accepted that he intentionally drove into crowds of innocent people during Liverpool FC’s victory parade. Dashcam footage from Doyle’s vehicle shows that as he approached Dale Street and Water Street, he became increasingly agitated by the crowds.

“Rather than wait for them to pass, he deliberately drove at them, forcing his way through. Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence. This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle – it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem.

“I would like to commend the bravery of emergency services who acted swiftly at the scene. There can be no doubt that their actions saved lives. Liverpool as a city has shown resilience and unity in the face of this awful act, and I hope the victims, their families and anyone affected will feel justice has been done.”