A driver who ploughed his car into a crowd of soccer fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade has pleaded guilty.
Paul Doyle, 54, sobbed as he admitted dangerous driving and multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of wounding with intent.
As the 31 charges were read to him, he simply said in response: “Guilty.”
He had previously denied the charges, which relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years old and carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Doyle will be sentenced at a later date.
Paul Doyle drove his car into celebrating Liverpool Football Club fans in the city’s centre. (AP: Jon Super)
More than 130 people reported injuries after a Ford mini-van ploughed into a street packed full of joyous fans celebrating in the British city of Liverpool after their team won the Premier League title on May 26.
Police said they believed the driver acted alone, and that they did not suspect terrorism, but have not disclosed an alleged motive.
British media reported Doyle had a background in IT and had previously served in the British Royal Marine Commandos in the 1990s.
Paul Doyle, left, pleads guilty to dangerous driving and multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent. (AP: Elizabeth Cook)
Prosecutors had been due to make their opening statement on Wednesday at the start of what was slated to be a month-long trial.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said in a statement: “Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence.
“This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle — it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said dash-cam footage from Doyle’s vehicle showed that he had become increasingly agitated by the crowds before he deliberately drove at people, injuring 134 people including eight children.
AP/Reuters
