Paul Doyle, the driver who ploughed his car into a crowd of Liverpool supporters celebrating the club’s Premier League triumph in May, has pleaded guilty in a dramatic courtroom reversal, the BBC reports.
Doyle’s unexpected change of plea brings a swift end to a trial that had been expected to run for up to six weeks. The judge has now set sentencing for 15–16 December.
The incident occurred on 26 May, when Doyle repeatedly drove his vehicle into groups of fans gathered on a city street during the title celebrations. Police later confirmed there was no ideological motive, but described the scenes as chaotic and horrifying.
Around 130 people were hurt, including children and elderly supporters. Doyle was charged with 31 serious offences relating to 27 victims.
Although early speculation suggested Doyle may have been intoxicated, prosecutors insisted his actions were intentional, describing them as “deliberate” and posing extreme danger. Doyle, a 54 year old former Royal Marine, had previously denied all charges, making his guilty plea a major surprise.
A journalist inside the courtroom said Doyle broke down in tears as he admitted the offences, with some spectators in the public gallery also visibly emotional.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Mersey Cheshire, said the plea “delivers a measure of justice for an act that brought unimaginable distress on what should have been a day of celebration.”