More than 100 pedestrians, aged between six months and 78, were injured when a car was driven into crowds of fans in Liverpool city centre
Paul Doyle(Image: Facebook)
Liverpool FC parade suspect Paul Doyle will face a trial next month after appearing in court today. The 53-year-old, of Burghill Road in West Derby, faces a series of alleged offences after a car was driven into crowds of fans during the Reds’ Premier League title celebrations in Liverpool city centre.
More than 100 pedestrians, ranging from children to a 78-year-old woman, were injured after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street shortly after 6pm on May 26 this year, with 50 having required hospital treatment. They were later discharged from hospital.
Doyle was brought before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, for a pre-trial review. He appeared in courtroom 46 via video link from HMP Belmarsh, as procedural and legal matters were discussed with counsel.
Wearing a grey t-shirt, Doyle’s image appeared blurry on the video screen due to an apparent malfunction with equipment at the prison. A mention hearing, which the defendant is not required to attend, will now take place on November 18 in order to ensure the case’s readiness for trial.
Doyle is then scheduled to face a jury before the same court over the course of three to four weeks beginning a week later, from November 25 onwards. Adjourning today’s hearing, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC said: “Mr Doyle, I am sure that you have followed carefully. It is, essentially, an administrative hearing to ensure that things are on track for your trial.
“There is another hearing now, listed on the 18th of November, simply to ensure that things are on track and the trial is ready to start on the day it is listed. You are free to go with the officer.”
Doyle previously pleaded not guilty to a string of charges during a plea and trial preparation hearing last month. The total of 31 counts he faces includes 18 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, in which the complainants are named as six-month-old Teddy Eveson and other boys and girls aged seven months, 10, 13 and 17, as well as adults Jack Trotter, Jon Evans, Scott Dolan, Jacqueline McClaren, Jamie Fagan, Carl Martin, James Vernon, Emily Wright, Hannah O’Neill, Stefan Dettlaf, David Price, James Weston and Ethan Gillard.
Further charges allege that he caused grievous bodily harm with intent to an 11-year-old boy, a 12-year-old child, a 17-year-old boy, Helen Gilmore, Anna Bilonozhenko, Sheree Aldridge, Sam Alexander, Christine Seeckts and Susan Passey. He finally faces alleged offences of wounding with intent against Simon Nash and Robin Darke, as well as matters of affray and dangerous driving.