The UK driver accused of running down numerous Liverpool FC soccer fans during a championship parade was nearly in tears during his first court appearance on Friday. It was revealed he is a former Royal Marine and a father of three.
Paul Doyle, 53, faced charges of multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm after allegedly driving into the large crowd celebrating the soccer team’s Premier League title victory on Monday.
Dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and gray tie, the suburban father appeared emotional, only speaking to confirm his name, address, and birth date in a brief hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
If convicted, Doyle faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if he is convicted.
Doyle served in the Royal Marines for four years in the early 90s, and neighbors describe him as a “normal” and “well-balance” middle-class father who now owns his own business, according to the Telegraph.
The terrifying caught-on-camera ordeal left 79 people injured, police said.
The charges are tied to four adults and two children who were injured.
The city had been celebrating Liverpool’s record-tying 20th title when Doyle turned down a street full of fans by allegedly following an ambulance through a roadblock.
Horrifying footage showed the car striking and throwing a person wrapped in a red Liverpool flag into the air — before swerving into a sea of people.
