Paul Doyle in tears in court over Liverpool bid charges

Jurors have been asked to ignore the “public interest” surrounding the case of the man whose car hit more than 130 people at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade.

Paul Doyle, 54, was driving a Ford Galaxy Titanium which plowed into a crowd of people, including two children and six other children, on Water Street in Liverpool city center on May 26.

He denies 31 charges, including nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent.

Mr Doyle broke down in tears in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court when asked to confirm his name, and held his head in his hands as the jury looked on.

Mr Doyle also faces one count of dangerous driving and one of affray.

The former Royal Marine commando, of Burghill Road in the West Derby area of ​​the city, was asked to enter pleas to four charges which have been amended since his last appearance.

This reflects new medical evidence.

He answered “not guilty” to two amended charges of causing GBH with intent, one of wounding with intent and one of attempting to cause GBH with intent.

The charges relate to 29 people between the ages of six months and 77 years.

From a panel of 30 people, seven men and five women were sworn in as jury members.

Two women were selected to serve as reserve jurors until the end of the prosecution’s case.

Judge Andrew Minary KC told them: “This case concerns allegations arising out of events relating to Mr Doyle’s conduct or alleged conduct at a Liverpool Football Club parade.

“The incident, as you already know from public information, occurred in a busy area of ​​the city center and was of public interest.”

He said the nature of the case made it “particularly important” that they stick to the rules and not pay attention to information from social media, the news or elsewhere.

Judge Minari said they should only try Mr Doyle on the evidence presented in court.

“There is nothing else that is part of this case,” he said.

Jurors were told Paul Greaney QC would begin opening the prosecution’s case on Wednesday.