Liverpool parade crash driver Paul Doyle has been handed a length prison sentence. Doyle has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison after driving into fans celebrating the club’s title win.
Paul Doyle has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison after the Liverpool parade attack. The 54-year-old drove his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title on May 26th. The incident happened in Liverpool city centre as fans were leaving the trophy parade. More than 130 people were injured during the two-minute rampage. The court heard the attack caused widespread fear and lasting trauma.
Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 offences shortly before his trial was due to begin. The charges included dangerous driving and multiple counts of grievous bodily harm with intent. Victims ranged from a six-month-old baby to a 77-year-old woman. No lives were lost, though the judge said this was due to luck alone. The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court.
Sentencing Doyle, Judge Andrew Menary KC described his actions as deliberate and sustained. He said Doyle acted in a rage and used his car as a weapon. The judge rejected claims the driver panicked or feared an attack. CCTV and witness evidence showed no threat from the crowd. The court ruled Doyle accepted the risk of serious harm, even to children.
Judge Menary said the footage was shocking and distressing. He described scenes of prams crushed and people struck repeatedly. Witnesses, including police officers, said Doyle continued to accelerate. The judge stressed the crowd did not cause the incident. Responsibility rested solely with the driver.
Doyle drove into the city centre to collect friends after the parade. He undertook other vehicles and ran a red light before reaching Water Street. That road had been closed to traffic due to the celebrations. Dashcam footage showed him swearing at fans and telling them to move. He then swerved into the left lane and drove into dense crowds.
People were thrown onto the bonnet and trapped under the vehicle. The car was eventually stopped by Daniel Barr, a member of the public. Barr climbed into the back seat and forced the gearstick into park. The judge praised his actions for preventing further injuries. Police later confirmed the car had no mechanical faults.
The decisive moment came when the vehicle was brought to a halt. That intervention likely prevented fatalities. Emergency services responded quickly to treat the injured. Dashcam footage became central evidence during sentencing. It contradicted Doyle’s account of acting in panic.
Prosecutors said Doyle’s actions devastated many lives in minutes. Several victims suffered life changing injuries. Doyle’s previous convictions were not considered in sentencing. He had stayed out of trouble for three decades before the attack. The sentence reflects the seriousness and scale of harm caused. Liverpool FC has continued to support affected fans. Security planning for future public celebrations is expected to be reviewed. Authorities say lessons will be taken from the incident. The case has left a lasting mark on the city. The club’s next Premier League fixture will be on Saturday December 20th, when they travel to London to play Tottenham Hotspur.
