A shocking turn of events unfolded in a courtroom in London as a driver, accused of causing harm to over 100 individuals by driving his car into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League victory, abruptly changed his plea to guilty during his trial on Wednesday.
Paul Doyle, aged 54, was visibly emotional as he confessed to charges of dangerous driving, multiple instances of attempting or causing severe bodily harm, and three counts of intentional wounding. Previously maintaining his innocence, Doyle’s sudden admission pertains to 29 victims ranging from six months to 77 years old, with potential penalties including a life sentence.
The sentencing for Doyle has been postponed to a later date.
Following the incident on May 26, where over 130 individuals sustained injuries after a Ford minivan collided with a street bustling with jubilant Liverpool football fans celebrating their Premier League triumph, authorities clarified that the driver appeared to have acted alone and ruled out terrorism as a motive, though the specific reason remains undisclosed.
Emotions ran high in the Liverpool Crown Court as Doyle broke down in tears while potential jurors were being selected in the packed courtroom, delaying the commencement of the trial proceedings.