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An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “person consumed by fury” when he drove into scores of Liverpool football club fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

“The footage was deeply disturbing.”

Those injured of Paul Doyle cried as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘A Man in a Rage’

Prosecutors stated those in court that the footage from the defendant’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. The recording revealed the father of three yelling “expletives” as well as “move out of the way” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as his car horn blared.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he ploughed further into the crowd, accelerating while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “miraculously” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.

A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the car, suffering a laceration on his head, rib fractures and multiple abrasions.

Doyle could be heard shouting “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” to celebrate the football club’s championship win. The celebratory atmosphere swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.

During questioning, the defendant claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, the prosecution argued that the video showed Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

The video indicated the driver had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.