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A former Royal Marines Commando acted as a “man in a rage” as he drove into scores of Liverpool football club supporters during a victory parade, in what many feared was a act of terrorism, according to court proceedings.

“The video was profoundly upsetting.”

Those injured in the incident cried as dashcam footage showed people being thrown into the air as he accelerated into crowds while screaming: “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 offences involving 21 adults and eight children.

‘A Man in a Rage’

The prosecution warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “truly shocking”. It showed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as his car horn blared.

It was stated in court that Doyle was a “man in a rage had completely overpowered him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up while individuals were struck by his vehicle.

Scale of the Carnage

Overall, the former Royal Marine hurt 134 people within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “remarkably” uninjured even though he was left on the roadway when Doyle’s car hit his pram, according to testimony.

One fan, 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 multiple abrasions.

Doyle was heard screaming “for God’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” before ploughing further into screaming supporters, among them an older woman and young children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation turned to “terror”, the prosecutor said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Some at the scene thought that the events unfolding was a terrorist attack.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

With injured people on the street, the vehicle’s path was stopped by a former soldier, a man identified in court, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, the court heard.

In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “blind panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the dashcam footage showed Doyle “simply lost control in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to”. It was further stated: “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 the driver was driving recklessly before he reached the city centre, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored road closures and weaved around other vehicles, even emergency service vehicles, as he entered the crowds.

The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of over a decade when he is sentenced on Tuesday.