Paul Doyle has been jailed for 21 years and six months after deliberately driving his car into crowds during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade in May 2025. The court heard that Doyle acted with what the judge described as an “inexplicable and undiluted fury,” striking more than 100 people in just two minutes as supporters celebrated Liverpool’s 2025/26 title win under Arne Slot.
Liverpool had secured the league with four games remaining and marked the achievement with an open-top bus parade through the city centre on May 29, attended by thousands of fans. The festivities were abruptly halted when Doyle, a father of three, drove his Ford Galaxy into supporters gathered on Water Street.
During sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Doyle had no criminal convictions for more than 30 years and had made efforts to rebuild his life after a difficult early adulthood. These factors were weighed alongside his guilty pleas to numerous offences, including dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent.
Doyle, a former Royal Marine, admitted to 31 offences in total. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody and will also receive a three-year driving ban following his release. The judge said eyewitnesses, including police officers, described Doyle continuing to accelerate even when people were trapped beneath his vehicle, stressing that his actions were driven by anger rather than fear or panic.
Addressing Doyle directly, the judge criticised his reckless behaviour in the moments leading up to the incident, citing dangerous overtaking, speeding through hazards, running red lights, and intimidating pedestrians by sounding his horn and shouting abuse.
As the court detailed the injuries suffered by victims, Doyle reportedly lowered his head but showed little visible emotion when the sentence was handed down at Liverpool Crown Court. Observers said he stared ahead blankly throughout the proceedings.
The judge also praised Daniel Barr, a former soldier who intervened by climbing into Doyle’s vehicle and putting it into park, likely preventing further casualties. Barr was described as a hero by the Crown Prosecution Service, received a High Sheriff’s Award for Bravery, and was given a £250 award in recognition of his courage. He was personally thanked by the judge in court.
Following the sentencing, Merseyside Police issued a statement through Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald, saying Doyle had begun a lengthy prison term for actions that had caused immense and lasting harm. The statement emphasised that what should have been a day of celebration was instead marked by dangerous and aggressive behaviour, leaving many people physically and psychologically affected.
The police added that while no sentence could undo the damage caused, they hoped the conclusion of the judicial process would help victims begin to move forward, and that the time in prison would give Doyle an opportunity to reflect on the consequences of his actions.
