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An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club supporters during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.

“The video is deeply disturbing.”

Victims of Paul Doyle cried while dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.

‘A Man in a Rage’

The prosecution stated those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Scale of the Carnage

In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.

A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.

Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out of my path!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Some at the scene believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and in doing so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

The defendant is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.