Paul Doyle, emotionally overwhelmed, changed his plea to guilty in court, confessing to purposely driving his vehicle into the crowd during the Liverpool victory parade. Initially, the father of three had denied any responsibility for the incident that left over 100 people injured at the Premier League celebration on May 26.
The courtroom atmosphere became tense as both prosecution and defense attorneys unexpectedly called for a brief recess just before the trial was set to commence. Speculation filled the room as attendees awaited the unfolding events.
Upon resuming proceedings, the newly sworn-in jury was discharged by Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC. Doyle, with tears rolling down his face and a trembling voice, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and a total of 31 offenses, including causing grievous bodily harm, attempted harm, wounding, and affray.
The sudden change in plea came after a previous day of pleading not guilty, with Doyle finally succumbing to admitting guilt before the scheduled trial. The judge warned him of an impending lengthy custodial sentence.
Prosecutors were poised to argue that Doyle had driven recklessly in a fit of rage, a scenario captured on his dashcam. Conversely, the defense had planned to assert that his actions were driven by panic in the face of the large crowd gathered in Liverpool city center.
Doyle, from Croxteth, Merseyside, will await sentencing on December 15, where further evidence will be presented before a substantial prison term is expected.