Defendant declares innocence in Liverpool car rally incident, charged with employing vehicle as a lethal instrument
In Liverpool on May 26, during the Premier League title parade, a shocking incident occurred when a car was driven onto the packed Water Street. The driver, later identified as local businessman Paul Doyle, aged 53, attempted to crash into the crowd but was quickly stopped by security forces.
The incident, which did not appear to be terrorism-related, resulted in a chaotic scene. Road closures and an armed policing presence were in place throughout the day. More than 130 people, ranging in age from 9 to 78, were injured as a result of the car collision. An on-scene paramedic was hit by the car but did not suffer serious injuries.
A baby boy's pram was also knocked meters down the street, but fortunately, the child was not hurt. Four people, including a child, had to be extracted from under the car involved in the incident. A baby girl was among the two babies whose welfare is now a concern in relation to the charges against Paul Doyle.
The charges against Doyle include causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via a video link from prison, where he has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges, including 'using a car as a weapon'.
The legal team for Paul Doyle have had difficulty accessing him in prison, and in-person visits or video conferences with him have taken weeks. The prison has not yet arranged a laptop for Doyle in custody to review CCTV and digital evidence.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims revealed that the driver of the car was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street, adding to the confusion and panic of the situation.
An estimated one million people attended the Bank Holiday parade, making the incident all the more concerning. The city is now left to reflect on the events of that day and the ongoing legal proceedings against Paul Doyle.
