Paul Doyle ploughed his two-tonne Ford Galaxy into fans celebrating the Reds’ Premier League title in Liverpool city centre in May, injuring more than 100 people
A mother who witnessed injured people sprawled across the road following the Liverpool FC parade crash confronted perpetrator Paul Doyle: “Don’t sit in the dock and cry for yourself.”
Susan Farrell, 55, revealed her family’s “joyful connection to Liverpool has become a source of anxiety and trauma” after witnessing the horrific scenes unfold.
Doyle drove his two-tonne Ford Galaxy into crowds of supporters who had assembled in Liverpool city centre to mark the Reds’ 20th Premier League triumph earlier this year.
Over 100 people, from infants to elderly fans, sustained injuries after being struck by the vehicle on Water Street just after 6pm on Monday, May 26, transforming what should have been a celebration into scenes of devastation and terror.
Fifty victims needed hospital care following the shocking incident, with all subsequently released, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Doyle, 54 and from Burghill Road in West Derby, pleaded guilty to a total of 31 charges last month.
The defendant tearfully altered his pleas to guilty on what was meant to be the first day of his trial and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on Monday.
He is anticipated to discover his fate later today. Numerous victim impact statements have been presented to the court by prosecutors, from individuals who remain haunted by their ordeal.
The statements outlined employment losses, gradual recovery from injuries, crowd phobias and persistent flashbacks. Ms Farrell delivered a statement to the court representing both herself and her 62 year old husband Colin, revealing: “What was once a joyful connection to Liverpool has become a source of anxiety and trauma. My husband Colin, who is from Liverpool, has not seen his family in many months because I cannot face returning.
“The M6, once a route filled with laughter and anticipation, now evokes memories of devastation and sorrow. We missed the funerals of two of Colin’s aunties because I couldn’t bring myself to travel there. My eldest daughter, once an avid Liverpool FC fan, has not watched a single match since.
“The sight of red shirts and the sounds of chants are unbearable reminders of that day. She is now on a waiting list to begin CBT to help her cope with the trauma. My youngest daughter, a primary school teacher, cannot bear to hear your name or see your face.
“When your image appeared on television she fled the room. She is an educated woman, yet she cannot reconcile the horror of what happened. She still experiences the fear we felt that day, believing we were under attack, that you would emerge with a weapon. This image still terrifies her.
“I think about that day almost every day. I see the injured lying in the road, I remember one man lying motionless, and my daughter screaming, asking if he was dead. I feel guilt that I didn’t stop to help. Colin feels guilt that he didn’t confront you. We were just trying to protect our children.
“There are hundreds of people affected by your actions. I want you to think about them all. Don’t sit in the dock and cry for yourself. Think about Colin missing his family. Think about the arguments you have caused. Think about my eldest daughter waiting for treatment.
“Think about my youngest daughter who had to stand in front of her class and talk about her trip to Liverpool after you drove a car at her. She was brave. She is brave. Now you be brave and take accountability for what you did.”
Doyle, who sat in the dock with his head lowered, fighting back tears, seemed to give a slight nod at the conclusion of Ms Farrell’s statement.
For updates on the sentencing hearing, read our live blog.