A British man accused of driving into crowds during Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations is now facing 24 additional criminal charges, prosecutors revealed Thursday during a court hearing.
Paul Doyle, 53, a former Royal Marine, appeared via videolink from prison at Liverpool Crown Court, where the full scale of the charges stemming from the May 26 incident was outlined. Tearful and wearing a grey T-shirt, Doyle did not enter any pleas during the 20-minute hearing.
The new charges bring the total to 31, involving 29 victims ranging in age from six months to 77 years old, the court heard. Among the injured are six children, including two infants—one just six months old, the other seven months—who were hurt when Doyle allegedly drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds on Water Street in central Liverpool.
Merseyside Police now say 134 people sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred as thousands of Liverpool FC supporters were leaving the city’s waterfront after a victory parade celebrating the club’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
What began as a day of celebration quickly turned to tragedy as panic spread through the crowd.
Doyle, a father-of-three from the Croxteth area of Liverpool, was initially charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He now faces additional counts including 19 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, three charges of wounding with intent, and one charge of affray.
The courtroom was filled with more than 20 journalists and several relatives of the victims.
Presiding Judge Andrew Menary adjourned the case to September 4, when Doyle is expected to enter pleas. A provisional trial date has been set for November 24, with proceedings expected to last three to four weeks.
AFP
