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An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club supporters during a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

“The video is profoundly upsetting.”

Victims of Paul Doyle wept as video from the car’s camera depicted bodies spinning through the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 criminal charges against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘A Man in a Rage’

The prosecution stated those in court that the footage from Doyle’s large people carrier was “truly shocking”. It showed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” as well as “move out of the way” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Scale of the Carnage

Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 individuals in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed even though he was left on the roadway after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.

The defendant was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

“Some at the scene thought that the events unfolding constituted a terrorist incident.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was stopped by an ex-army member, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, according to evidence.

In his police interview, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he drove into the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated the driver had been driving dangerously before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and running red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other cars, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.