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An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he drove into dozens of Liverpool football club fans at a victory parade, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.

“The video is deeply disturbing.”

Victims of Paul Doyle wept while dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

The 54-year-old defendant 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’

Prosecutors warned the court that the video evidence from the defendant’s large people carrier was “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent yelling “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety 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 ploughed further into the crowd, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people in just seven minutes – including more than 50 requiring hospital care. An infant was “miraculously” uninjured despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, the court heard.

A supporter, a man named in court, was shown being thrown into the air by the car, suffering a laceration to the back of his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

The defendant could be heard shouting “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into panicked fans, among them an older woman and young children who became trapped beneath the vehicle.

Celebration Descends into Chaos

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said about 1 million people were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Witnesses thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who entered the back of the car and forced the gearstick into park. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

During questioning, Doyle stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. Yet, prosecutors contended that the video showed the defendant “just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage showed Doyle was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, undertaking cars at speed and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he approached the packed streets.

Doyle is understood to be facing a jail term of over a decade at his sentencing hearing.