LONDON (AP) – The ramming suspect in Liverpool, identified as Paul Doyle, has been accused of deliberately using his vehicle as a weapon by plowing it into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating their team’s Premier League championship, according to a prosecutor's statement on Friday. During his initial court appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, the 53-year-old Doyle appeared emotional, hanging his head while facing serious charges.
Doyle is charged with dangerous driving and six counts of serious assault, which allege that he caused or attempted to cause grievous bodily harm to two children and four adults who were among the 79 people injured in the incident. Prosecutor Philip Astbury emphasized that the defendant "used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure those individuals."
In court, Doyle spoke only to confirm his name, address, and birth date, and did not enter a plea regarding the charges. If convicted, these charges could lead to a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The case has been transferred to Liverpool Crown Court, where a different judge has scheduled a hearing for August 14, allowing Doyle to enter pleas to the charges. The trial date has been provisionally set for November 24 and is expected to last three to four weeks. During the proceedings, Doyle’s defense did not request bail, resulting in his return to custody.
District Judge Paul Healey mandated that the names of the victims remain confidential. The tragic incident occurred during a city celebration of Liverpool Football Club's record-tying 20th title. Reports indicate that Doyle managed to breach a roadblock by following an ambulance attempting to reach a potential heart attack victim, leading to the devastating collision.
Witnesses shared that videos captured the car striking individuals and sending one person wrapped in a red Liverpool flag airborne before it veered into a crowded street filled with celebrating fans. Emergency services had to extract at least four people, including a child, from underneath the vehicle once it came to a stop.
The ages of the victims ranged from 9 to 78 years old, with seven people reported to be hospitalized as of the latest update on Thursday. Merseyside Police clarified that they believe Doyle acted alone in this incident and that there is no suspicion of terrorism involved. However, an alleged motive for Doyle's actions has yet to be disclosed.
The court proceedings have drawn significant public interest due to the shocking nature of the incident and the scale of injuries inflicted upon innocent fans during what was meant to be a joyous celebration. The investigation continues as authorities gather more details surrounding this case, with the community seeking answers and justice for the victims affected by this reckless act.
