Paul Doyle ploughed his Ford Galaxy into the celebrating crowds of Liverpool fans at the Premier League title-winning parade last May, and was sentenced to 21 and a half years in prison
A man who was hospitalised for several days following the Liverpool parade crash has expressed sympathy for the culprit, Paul Doyle. Stefan Dettlaf, 73, was among the 134 individuals physically harmed when Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy into the jubilant crowds of Liverpool supporters during last May’s Premier League title victory parade.
Doyle’s own dashcam footage offered the most chilling glimpse into his criminal behaviour, recording him speeding, overtaking cars and running red lights before he reached the throngs in Liverpool city centre. Rather than halting his vehicle, he used it as a weapon to drive at people in an attempt to force his way through.
Doyle barrelled into crowds of fans, hurling insults and ordering them to clear his path. His rampage only ended due to the heroic actions of former soldier Daniel Barr, who leapt into the back of the car, and the sheer number of injured individuals trapped beneath his wheels.
The 54 year old faced 31 charges and pleaded guilty to all on the second day of his trial. He received a prison sentence of 21 and a half years.
Doyle, who told arresting officers “I have ruined all of my family’s lives”, wept and buried his face in his hands during every court appearance, reports the Liverpool Echo.
READ MORE: Couple put up £4,500 fence for privacy – but weren’t prepared for neighboursREAD MORE: Meningitis warning as ‘one in 10 of us carry the bacteria at ANY one time’
Now one of his eldest victims, 73 year old Stefan Dettlaf, has revealed sympathy for the motorist who ploughed through the frightened pedestrians. Mr Dettlaf, from Birkenhead, fractured six ribs and spent several days in hospital, whilst his wife Hilda was also seriously hurt after landing on the bonnet of Doyle’s vehicle.
Speaking to 5 News at 5, he said: “I owe him no sorrow or anything but he really looked as though he was going through it. I did feel sorry for him in the court.
“I see people saying he deserved everything he got and should have got a lot more and absolutely agree. Then I see the other side where he never killed anybody as well which was absolute pure luck.”
Explaining why he can now talk about the incident, he added: “For months after – right up until January – even talking about this I would break down talking about it. At first, I was terrible with all the flashbacks and everything and all these random faces people in these flashbacks saying, ‘don’t worry you’re alright you’re going to live.”
Dean Townsend, 31 and from Widnes, who sustained three fractured ribs, attended the parade with his nephew. He told 5 News: “I’m going through more health issues now because I’ve suffered with epilepsy that’s spiralled out of control.
“I’ve suffered psychological injuries. I’m undergoing counselling two times a week and so far I’m only seeing some returns from my counselling now.”
Both men had powerful victim impact statements read to the court during Doyle’s sentencing. Mr Dettlaf said: “I thought my wife of 54 years was dead. I was thinking I’m never getting the chance to say goodbye to my four wonderful children, I was thinking how unfair life is, what did I do to deserve this?”
He added: “I feel a wreck, I don’t recognise the person I have become, I no longer feel strong. I no longer feel capable of looking after my family. I have found myself breaking down, crying unexpectedly, then feeling angry at myself for doing this, and the worst feelings, ashamed and embarrassed.”
Mr Townsend expressed his sense of loss since the incident. He told the court in December: “Normal activities that I used to enjoy, such as seeing my nephew, going out for family meals, or a trip to the cinema are now a thing of the past.”
Speaking after Doyle’s sentencing, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “On what should have been a day of celebration for the city Doyle chose to act in an aggressive and dangerous manner with no regard for the safety and wellbeing of other people.
“No prison sentence will be able to undo his actions on that day or heal those who continue to suffer physically and psychologically as a result of what they endured and witnessed on the streets of the city.”
