A former British Royal Marine appeared in court for the first time on Friday, charged with allegedly driving his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title win, an incident that left 79 people injured and cast a shadow over the city’s jubilant scenes.
Paul Doyle, 53, faces seven charges, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, in connection with Monday’s incident in central Liverpool.
During a brief appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, Doyle confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. UK media reports from inside the courtroom described him as visibly emotional, holding back tears as proceedings began. The case was then adjourned.
The crash occurred on Water Street, where hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans had gathered to celebrate their club’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. A dark Ford Galaxy allegedly driven by Doyle struck the crowd, injuring people aged between nine and 78. While no fatalities were reported, seven people remain hospitalized, according to Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims.
Fire services said four people, including a child, were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued after the car was physically lifted by emergency crews.
Footage shared on social media captured the horrifying moment the vehicle surged through the crowd, with some fans thrown onto the bonnet and others crushed underneath. In one video, angry supporters can be seen surrounding the car, smashing its rear windows before police moved in to de-escalate the situation.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed it had authorized charges following what it described as a “complex and ongoing investigation.”
“Prosecutors and police are working at pace to review a huge volume of evidence,” said Sarah Hammond of the CPS. “This includes multiple video recordings and numerous witness statements. It is essential that every victim receives the justice they deserve.”
Hammond noted that all charges are subject to review as the investigation progresses.
UK media report that Doyle, a resident of a Liverpool suburb, is a businessman and father of three teenage children. He previously served in the Royal Marines.
Police were quick to dismiss terrorism as a motive and took the rare step of publicly identifying the suspect’s nationality and ethnicity—confirming he is a white British man—in an effort to curb the spread of misinformation online.
The response comes amid heightened sensitivity in the region. Just a year ago, false rumors about the background of an attacker in a separate incident in Southport sparked the worst riots in northern England in decades.
The investigation into Monday’s events continues.
