Paul Doyle, the 54-year-old man who drove his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool F.C.'s Premier League victory parade in May, has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. The incident, which occurred on May 26, 2025, injured more than 130 people, including children and babies.
Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 offenses, including dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent. Judge Andrew Menary KC, while sentencing Doyle, stated that he acted in an "inexplicable and undiluted fury" when he drove into the crowds, hitting over 130 people in a span of just two minutes. The judge described Doyle's actions as not a "momentary recklessness" but a result of simply losing his temper. He added that Doyle's "disregard for human life defies ordinary understanding".
The prosecution presented evidence that Doyle intentionally drove into the crowd, using his vehicle "as a weapon". Dashcam footage from Doyle's Ford Galaxy revealed him screaming and using expletives while continuously honking the car horn as he drove through the packed streets. This footage, deemed too graphic for public release, showcased the horrific scene as the car plowed through fans, crushing prams and causing severe injuries. Victim statements detailed the physical and mental trauma inflicted by Doyle's actions.
During the chaotic scene, a former soldier named Dan Bar was commended for his heroic actions. Bar managed to climb into the backseat of Doyle's car and stop the vehicle, preventing further harm. The Crown Prosecution Service and police praised Bar's bravery, highlighting that his intervention brought an end to Doyle's rampage.
In addition to the prison sentence, Doyle has been disqualified from driving for 16 years and 10 months, which includes a three-year ban following his release, after which he must pass an extended retest to regain his license. Judge Menary explained the disqualification period was calculated to ensure Doyle would be banned from driving for approximately three years after his release, also considering time already spent in custody.
Senior officers involved in what was described as one of Merseyside Police's most extensive investigations stated that Doyle had a history of explosive violence. The investigation involved interviewing over 1,500 witnesses, reviewing 280 files of footage, and gathering 700 statements. The incident transformed what was meant to be a day of celebration into a scene of horror and chaos, leaving many physically and emotionally scarred.
