Liverpool parade crash driver given major jail sentence

Liverpool’s Premier League success under manager Arne Slot was marked on 29 May with an open-top bus parade through the city centre, after the club secured the 2025/26 title with four matches remaining. Large crowds gathered along the route, including on Water Street, to see the players and trophy.

The celebrations were abruptly disrupted when Paul Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy into pedestrians. Court evidence showed that more than 100 people were struck in the space of around two minutes as the vehicle moved through densely packed supporters.

Doyle, 54, a father of three and former Royal Marine, was arrested at the scene. He later pleaded guilty to 31 offences linked to the incident, including dangerous driving, affray, and multiple serious offences involving grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent.

Lengthy sentence imposed

At Liverpool Crown Court, Doyle was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. He will be required to serve two-thirds of that term in custody and will face a three-year driving ban after his release.

Read also: Portugal poised for surprise formula one comeback as dutch grand prix bows out

In sentencing remarks, the judge said Doyle’s actions were driven by an “inexplicable and undiluted fury”. Witnesses, including serving police officers, described him continuing to accelerate even as people were beneath the vehicle.

“A number of witnesses, including serving police officers, describe you continuing to press the accelerator, even when people were visibly underneath the car. Your shouted expressions of frustration underline your state of mind at the time – not fear or panic, but an inexplicable and undiluted fury,” the judge said.

The court also took into account that Doyle had not committed offences for more than three decades and had attempted to rebuild his life after a difficult early adulthood. Those factors, the judge said, did not diminish the seriousness of the harm caused.

Conduct before the collision

The sentencing hearing heard that Doyle’s driving before reaching the parade route was already dangerously aggressive, adding to the risk faced by the public.

Read also: Christian Horner accused of deception as Red Bull power feud explodes publicly

“For no reason other than impatience and arrogance, your driving into the city was routinely dangerous. In poor weather conditions you repeatedly undertook other vehicles, took road hazards too quickly and drove through traffic lights at a junction. You frightened pedestrians, leaning on your horn and shouting obscenities such as ‘get out of the f****** way’,” the judge said.

Observers in court reported that Doyle showed little visible reaction as victim injuries were detailed, bowing his head but otherwise remaining impassive.

Intervention credited with saving lives

Further harm was likely prevented by the actions of Daniel Barr, who climbed into the vehicle and placed it into park, stopping it from moving again.

The judge said Barr had likely “saved lives”. Crown Prosecution Service representative James Alisson told the court that Barr “can truly be described as a hero”. Barr later received a High Sheriff’s Award for Bravery and a £250 financial award in recognition of his actions.

Read also: Shock result as FIFA reveals 2025 Puskas Award decision

Police statement

Following sentencing, Merseyside Police issued a statement from Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald addressing the impact of the attack.

“Paul Doyle is today starting a lengthy prison sentence as a consequence of his actions on 26 May this year. It is difficult to comprehend the devastating impact the events of that day have had, and continue to have, on so many people,” the statement said.

“On what should have been a day of celebration for the city Doyle chose to act in an aggressive and dangerous manner with no regard for the safety and wellbeing of other people.”

It added: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected and I hope that now the judicial process has finished those people will be able to start moving on and rebuild their lives. I hope that the prison sentence will also give Doyle the chance to reflect on his actions and the impact they had.”

Read also: Honda’s big F1 comeback starts in Tokyo as 2026 power unit era begins

Sources: Liverpool Crown Court proceedings, Crown Prosecution Service, Merseyside Police

Read also: Former NFL star in attempted murder case