LONDON (AP) — Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old driver, has changed his plea to guilty as his trial commenced on Wednesday, following accusations of injuring over 100 individuals by deliberately ramming his vehicle into a crowd of soccer fans. The incident took place during Liverpool's Premier League championship celebration.
Doyle, who previously denied all charges, sobbed in court as he admitted to dangerous driving, along with multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm, and three counts of wounding with intent. The charges pertain to 29 victims, whose ages range from just six months to 77 years old, and they carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
On May 26, more than 130 people reported injuries when a Ford minivan crashed into a street teeming with jubilant fans celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title win. Authorities stated that they believe Doyle acted alone and do not suspect any terrorist motivations, yet they have not released any specific details regarding his intentions or motives behind the incident.
As potential jurors were brought into the packed courtroom at Liverpool Crown Court for selection, Doyle was seen weeping in the dock. Prosecutors were prepared to deliver their opening statements on what was expected to be a month-long trial before the plea change occurred.
Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald reported that Doyle's reckless driving injured over 100 people within a span of just seven minutes, emphasizing that it was purely by chance that no fatalities occurred during the chaos. Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond remarked that by admitting guilt, Doyle has finally accepted responsibility for intentionally driving into crowds of unsuspecting individuals during what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.
"Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence," Hammond stated. "This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle; it was a choice he made that day, transforming celebration into pandemonium."
Judge Andrew Menary announced that Doyle would be sentenced during a two-day hearing scheduled for December 15 and 16. He cautioned Doyle to prepare for a significant custodial sentence, stating, "It is inevitable there will be a custodial sentence of some length."
The courtroom sketches, like one created by Elizabeth Cook, visually document the proceedings and the atmosphere during this significant trial where Doyle faces the consequences of his actions amid a community celebration that turned tragic.
