A driver who ploughed his car into a crowd of soccer fans at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade has pleaded guilty.<\/p>\n
Paul Doyle, 54, sobbed as he admitted dangerous driving and multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of wounding with intent.<\/p>\n
As the 31 charges were read to him, he simply said in response: “Guilty.”<\/p>\n
He had previously denied the charges, which relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77 years old and carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.<\/p>\n
Doyle will be sentenced at a later date.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul Doyle drove his car into celebrating Liverpool Football Club fans in the city’s centre. (AP: Jon Super)<\/p>\n
More than 130 people reported injuries after a Ford mini-van ploughed into a street packed full of joyous fans celebrating in the British city of Liverpool after their team won the Premier League title on May 26.<\/p>\n
Police said they believed the driver acted alone, and that they did not suspect terrorism, but have not disclosed an alleged motive.<\/p>\n
British media reported Doyle had a background in IT and had previously served in the British Royal Marine Commandos in the 1990s.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul Doyle, left, pleads guilty to dangerous driving and multiple counts of attempting or causing grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent. (AP: Elizabeth Cook)<\/p>\n
Prosecutors had been due to make their opening statement on Wednesday at the start of what was slated to be a month-long trial.<\/p>\n
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said in a statement: “Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence.<\/p>\n
“This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle \u2014 it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem.”<\/p>\n
The Crown Prosecution Service said dash-cam footage from Doyle’s vehicle showed that he had become increasingly agitated by the crowds before he deliberately drove at people, injuring 134 people including eight children.<\/p>\n
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