Paul Doyle, emotionally overwhelmed, altered his plea to guilty in court, confessing to intentionally driving his car into the crowd during the Liverpool victory parade. Initially denying any wrongdoing, the father of three changed his stance after more than 100 individuals were injured at the Premier League celebration on May 26.
A surprising turn of events unfolded as the prosecution and defense attorneys abruptly requested a 20-minute break for a private discussion just before the trial was set to commence. Speculation buzzed among the packed courtroom at Liverpool Crown Court, including lawyers, press, spectators, and Doyle’s family.
Upon their return, the newly sworn-in jury of seven men and five women was discharged by Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC. Doyle, with tears streaming down his face and his hair slicked back, removed his glasses, bowed his head, and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, followed by admitting to all 31 charges against him.
In a dramatic shift, Doyle, clad in a black suit, white shirt, and grey tie, had previously pleaded not guilty to some charges just a day before. However, prior to the scheduled trial, he broke down and confessed to his guilt. The judge forewarned him of an impending custodial sentence of considerable length, as the prosecution intended to argue that Doyle drove in a fit of rage, captured on his dashcam, while his defense was poised to assert that he panicked amidst the large crowds in Liverpool city center.
During the plea change, Doyle, from Croxteth, Merseyside, visibly distressed, was allowed to sit down by the judge. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 15 for further evidence disclosure and his impending lengthy prison term.