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An ex- Royal Marine acted as a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans during a championship celebration, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, a court has heard.

“The footage is truly shocking.”

Victims in the incident cried while dashcam footage depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

The 54-year-old defendant will learn his fate on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences against 21 adults and eight children.

‘A Man in a Rage’

Prosecutors warned those in court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier proved to be “extremely graphic”. The recording revealed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” as well as “fucking move” while he headed straight for hundreds of fans, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

The court was told that Doyle was a “individual whose anger had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

Overall, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. A six-month-old boy was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

A supporter, a man named in court, was seen being launched into the air by the vehicle, sustaining a cut to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

Doyle could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals had attended “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” to celebrate Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend who had been at the parade.

“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by a former soldier, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

In his police interview, Doyle claimed he reacted in a “blind panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, the prosecution argued that the dashcam footage demonstrated Doyle “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. It was further stated: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a jail term of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.