Paul Doyle pleaded not guilty to 31 charges related to driving into Liverpool FC fans during a victory parade. The incident injured over 130 people. Doyle’s defense cites issues accessing their client and evidence. The trial is set for November 25th.
Paul Doyle, the man accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd of Liverpool Football Club supporters during their Premier League victory parade, has pleaded not guilty to all 31 charges against him. The incident, which occurred on May 26th on Water Street in Liverpool City Centre, left over 130 people injured, including eight children, as fans celebrated their team's championship win.
Doyle, a 53-year-old former Royal Marine Commando, faces a litany of charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from prison, where he denied each charge as it was read to him.
The allegations stem from injuries inflicted upon 29 victims, including two infants. The prosecution argues that Doyle used his Ford Galaxy as a weapon, intentionally targeting pedestrians amidst the celebratory crowd. The defense, however, has raised concerns regarding access to their client, citing significant difficulties in arranging visits and conferences due to systemic issues within the prison system.
During the court hearing, Simon Csoka, KC, representing Doyle, expressed frustration over the delays in accessing his client and the challenges in providing him with necessary materials for his defense. He stated that the current system is simply not working, highlighting the weeks-long waits for in-person visits and video conferences. Csoka also emphasized that Belmarsh Prison had yet to facilitate the provision of a laptop to Doyle, preventing him from reviewing crucial CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the case.
Csoka described the prison's approach as incomprehensible, claiming the defense has encountered impenetrable red tape in their attempts to secure a laptop for Doyle. This lack of access, he argued, significantly hinders Doyle's ability to prepare an adequate defense against the serious charges he faces.
As the defense attorney spoke about the difficulties in accessing the evidence, Doyle, appearing via video link, was visibly emotional, wiping tears from his eyes. He is charged with dangerous driving, affray, 18 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and two counts of wounding with intent. The wide range of charges reflects the severity of the alleged actions and the extensive injuries sustained by numerous victims, whose ages range from six months to 77 years old.
Judge Andrew Menary KC acknowledged the defense's concerns and scheduled a pre-trial review hearing for October 27th. The trial itself was slightly delayed and is now set to commence on November 25th. This delay aims to provide the defense with sufficient time to address the issues regarding access to their client and the necessary evidence. The judge underscored the importance of ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved.
During a previous hearing, prosecutors presented their case, asserting that Doyle intentionally used his car as a weapon on Water Street around 6:00 PM BST on May 26th. Junior counsel Philip Astbury stated that the prosecution's case rests on the claim that Doyle deliberately drove into the crowd as they attempted to leave the area. He added that the six charges of assault reflect the most severely injured individuals struck by the vehicle. The first count of dangerous driving encompasses the manner of driving leading up to the point where Doyle allegedly used his vehicle intentionally to injure people.
The indictment has been expanded significantly since the initial charges, with 24 new counts added at a hearing last month. This reflects the extensive nature of the investigation and the number of individuals affected by the incident. The trial promises to be complex and emotionally charged, with significant implications for both Doyle and the numerous victims seeking justice.
The case continues to draw significant attention from the public and the media, raising questions about security measures at public celebrations and the potential for such events to be targeted. The proceedings are being closely monitored by Liverpool Football Club and its supporters, who are eager to see justice served for the victims of this alleged attack. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community and will serve as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance at large gatherings.