Liverpool parade accused Paul Doyle pleads not guilty to 31 charges
Man accused of driving into crowds during Liverpool FC victory parade denies causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving charges at Liverpool Crown Court
Paul Doyle, 53, has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges after a car struck pedestrians during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade on May 26, leaving more than 130 people injured.
Doyle answered "not guilty" to each charge when they were read to him at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink from prison. Prosecutors allege he used his Ford Galaxy "as a weapon" by deliberately driving into crowds on Water Street in Liverpool city centre as fans celebrated the club's title success.
The charges include causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving, and relate to 29 named victims, among them two babies. Authorities say more than 130 people were hurt in the incident, including eight children.
Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, Liverpool, appeared by video and became tearful during the hearing, the court was told. His defence team told the court they had faced significant difficulties in obtaining timely access to their client while he has been held in custody, with weeks-long waits for in-person visits or videolink conferences.
Simon Csoka KC, representing Doyle, told the court: "The system just isn't working." The court heard that arranging proper meetings with legal advisers had been a persistent problem.
The episode in late May prompted an immediate police and emergency response as thousands of supporters lined city centre streets to mark Liverpool's Premier League triumph. Investigations have focused on the events on Water Street, where the vehicle is alleged to have struck multiple pedestrians amid the celebrations.
Police and prosecutors have not publicly disclosed all evidential details disclosed in court. The list of charges set out in the indictment reflects the number and severity of injuries reported but does not determine guilt; Doyle's pleas mean the matters will proceed through the criminal process.
He remained off-screen in court proceedings apart from his videolink appearance. Further procedural hearings and case management steps will be handled by Liverpool Crown Court as the prosecution and defence prepare their cases.