A former Royal Marine denies multiple offences after a car struck crowds following Liverpool FC’s title parade. A jury has now been sworn and proceedings are due to open tomorrow.
The trial of Paul Doyle, 54, is due to begin at Liverpool Crown Court after a jury was sworn in today. Mr Doyle is accused of driving a Ford Galaxy into crowds leaving Liverpool FC’s victory parade on 26 May. He denies the allegations.
Around a million people gathered in the city centre to celebrate the club’s championship win. As crowds dispersed near Water Street shortly after 6pm, a vehicle is said to have entered a busy area, with more than 130 people reported injured, including eight children.
Mr Doyle, from Croxteth, was arrested the same day. He faces a 31-count indictment relating to 29 alleged victims aged between six months and 77. The charges include dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and three counts of wounding with intent. He has entered not-guilty pleas.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, empanelled seven men and five women as jurors, with two additional jurors present for the opening stage. Jurors were directed to decide the case solely on the evidence heard in court and to avoid outside research or commentary. The prosecution is expected to open its case at 10:30am tomorrow. The trial is listed to last up to four weeks.
As with all serious allegations, the burden remains on the prosecution to prove each count so the jury is sure. Mr Doyle is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
