Paul Doyle, of the West Derby area of Liverpool, is due to appear at the city’s magistrates’ court on Friday and has been charged with seven offences including wounding and causing grievous bodily harm
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Liverpool: Paul Doyle charged with seven offences after parade crash
The alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool’s victory parade has been charged with seven offences including wounding and causing grievous bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Paul Doyle, 53, is accused of two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He is also accused of two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.
It follows a total of 79 people suffering injuries in the incident on Water Street in the city centre just after 6pm on Monday, with the age of the victims ranging from nine to 78 years old. Doyle, of the West Derby area of Liverpool, is due to appear at the city’s magistrates’ court on Friday.
In the days following the incident, Merseyside Police said they believed the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a roadblock was temporarily lifted.
Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said: “As always, our thoughts remain with all of those injured and affected by this appalling incident, which took place during the Liverpool Football Club parade on Monday. As you have heard from our CPS colleagues, the man arrested by Merseyside Police following the incident on Water Street has now been charged with seven serious offences.
“Paul Desmond Sanders Doyle, 53 years, of Burghill Road, West Derby, has this afternoon been charged with two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of attempted, unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, all contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against The Person Act 1861. He has also been charged with one count of dangerous driving, contrary to section two of the Road Traffic Act 1988.”
Ms Sims continued: “I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions. Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism to seek the answer to all of those questions. When we are able to we will provide further information.”
Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: “We know that Monday’s shocking scenes reverberated around the city of Liverpool, and the entire country, on what should have been a day of celebration for hundreds of thousands of Liverpool FC supporters. Our thoughts remain with all of those affected.”
Ms Hammond warned criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial and said there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information or media online which could in any way prejudice the proceedings. She said: “Please allow the legal process to take its course without undue speculation.”
Videos on social media appeared to show people in the crowd attempting to get close to the driver in the lead up to the incident – with one managing to open the driver’s car door. The driver can then be seen closing the door before accelerating into crowds on both sides of the street.
Members of the public also filmed the aftermath of the incident, with some kicking the vehicle and smashing the back window after attempting to chase the car down. A large number of police officers could then be seen guarding the vehicle moments after the collision.
A message of support sent to the people of Liverpool by King Charles in the wake of the horror said: “I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were “deeply saddened” by the parade crash, adding: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.”
Speaking at an awards ceremony on Tuesday night, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the incident “showed the two faces of life”.
“The most beautiful face for a long, long time: the parade was incredible, the mood was incredible and from one second to another everything changed and we learned again there are more serious things in the world than football,” he said. “Thoughts and prayers go to the injured people and their families as well.”
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