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An ex- Royal Marine acted as a “person consumed by fury” as he drove into scores of Liverpool football club fans at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, a court has heard.

“The footage was truly shocking.”

Those injured of Paul Doyle cried while video from the car’s camera depicted people being thrown into the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Fucking hell, move!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea at the start of his trial last month to 31 offences involving 21 adults and eight children.

‘Consumed by Anger’

The prosecution warned those in court that the footage from the defendant’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy was “extremely graphic”. It showed the father of three shouting “fucking pricks” and “fucking move” as he drove towards a large crowd of supporters, with people frantically dragging children to safety as he blasted the horn.

It was stated in court that Doyle acted as a “man in a rage whose anger had completely taken hold of him” as he continued driving into the mass of people, speeding up as people collided with his car.

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the former Royal Marine injured 134 individuals in just seven minutes – with over fifty requiring hospital care. An infant was “remarkably” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road when Doyle’s car hit his pram, the court heard.

A supporter, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, broken ribs and numerous scrapes.

Doyle was heard screaming “fuck’s sake move! Get out my fucking way!” prior to driving deeper into panicked fans, including an elderly woman and children who were dragged under the car.

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Addressing a packed courtroom, lawyers said about 1 million people were present at “what they thought would be a joyous occasion” marking Liverpool winning their 20th league title. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “horror”, the prosecutor said, when the driver entered the crowd as he attempted to pick up a friend from the parade route.

“Some at the scene thought that what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Rampage Halted by Heroic Act

With injured people on the street, Doyle’s rampage was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and forced the gearstick into park. Despite this, Doyle continued pressing the gas pedal, according to evidence.

In his police interview, the defendant stated he reacted in a “state of sheer panic” because he feared for his life. However, prosecutors contended that the video showed Doyle “simply lost control in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “Consumed by anger, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Reckless Behavior Before the Attack

Footage showed Doyle had been driving dangerously prior to entering downtown, overtaking cars dangerously and jumping red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and weaved around other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

The defendant is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years when he is sentenced on Tuesday.