Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle pleads not guilty to dangerous driving after car ploughed into fans

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A former Royal Marine accused of ploughing his car into football fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, injuring 134 people, has denied 31 charges.

Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from prison wearing a grey t-shirt on Thursday as he entered the not guilty pleas to allegations relating to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77 years.

He appeared to shake his head at times as each of the charges were put to him and later broke down in tears.

Merseyside Police said 134 people were injured when Mr Doyle allegedly drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds who were leaving after the city centre parade in May.

He was originally charged with seven offences but at a hearing last month a further 24 charges were added to the indictment.

Mr Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, is charged with 18 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of wounding with intent, one count of dangerous driving and one count of affray.

The youngest alleged victim is Teddy Eveson, aged six months. Seven other children, who Mr Doyle is alleged to have either injured or attempted to injure, cannot be named for legal reasons.

open image in gallery Paul Doyle at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) ( PA Wire )

Hundreds of fans were leaving the waterfront victory parade when the incident occurred on Water Street just after 6pm on 26 May. Up to a million supporters had gathered to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th league title in a 10-mile parade in the city.

The suspect was arrested at the scene, where fire crews worked to rescue several people who were trapped under the car and dozens were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Days later, he was charged with two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving.

It is alleged that Mr Doyle drove dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street.

At his first court appearance, Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard he was alleged to have “used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon”.

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded him in custody for a pre-trial review on 27 October.

The trial, expected to last up to four weeks, is due to begin on 25 November.

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