Ex-Royal Marine Paul Doyle, 54, may be sent to a secure hospital instead of prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple offences after driving into crowds at Liverpool’s trophy parade, injuring 134
Liverpool parade horror driver Paul Doyle could be about to have a comfortable prison sentence away from jail, it has been claimed. The ex-Royal Marine Commando, 54, is expected to serve his sentence in a secure hospital after pleading guilty to a slew of charges.
His seven-minute rampage during Liverpool FC’s trophy parade resulted in 134 attendees being injured, with individuals trapped under his Ford Galaxy Titanium. The youngest victim was six-month-old Teddy Eveson, who was flung roughly 15 feet down the road in his pram during the crash.
At the start of his trial, officials stated that it was purely “sheer luck” that no fatalities occurred. Doyle admitted his guilt in court, explaining he was in Liverpool to pick up a friend from the parade.
Prosecutors said he subsequently lost his temper and intentionally drove his car into the crowd. Liverpool fan Robin Darke, 62, claimed he sustained life-altering injuries after his foot was crushed in the collision.
He described the scene: “It was like a bomb had gone off. It was just carnage everywhere, crying and screaming.”, according to the Mirror. Last week at Liverpool Crown Court, the dad-of-three appeared shaken and barely audible as he confessed to multiple charges including attempting to cause GBH with intent, causing GBH with intent, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and affray.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, which concern 29 victims ranging in age from six months to 77. In court, Judge Andrew Menary KC cautioned the father-of-three to brace himself for a lengthy prison term, stating: “It is inevitable there will be a custodial sentence of some length and you should prepare yourself for that inevitability.”
Doyle is scheduled to appear in court for a two-day sentencing hearing on December 15 — though he may avoid prison altogether. Sources revealed that the defendant had undergone assessment at Wakefield Prison, where he’s being held on remand, and it was determined he could be suffering from PTSD.
At present, Doyle is classified as a Category A prisoner following his transfer from the notorious Wakefield facility. He is reportedly under constant surveillance due to concerns about potential attacks from fellow inmates.
A source informed the Sun: “A lot of inmates, especially at northern prisons, will have had friends or relatives at the parade so it’s not hard to see why he might be targeted.” Category A prisoners are considered the most dangerous individuals, who would present the greatest risk to public safety should they escape.
IT consultant Doyle was relocated from Wakefield as his trial approached. He may be transferred to Broadmoor, Ashworth or Rampton hospitals, where inmates are regarded as “patients” instead of prisoners, with emphasis placed on therapeutic treatment.
These secure facilities have housed some of Britain’s most notorious murderers, including Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who was detained at Broadmoor. The secure hospital’s website boasts “spacious” wards with “access to bright, attractive ward gardens.”
The central building features a cafe, hairdressing salon, woodwork and pottery facilities, plus a multi-faith sanctuary.
Outlining the conditions Doyle could encounter, the source explained: “He’s pretty likely to be moved to a secure hospital unit once he’s sentenced. His life there would be much more comfortable than in prison as he’d be treated as a patient, not an inmate. He’d be held in better conditions, plus he’d get more therapy and help getting his life back on track. A lot of prisoners try to play the mental health card, but with Doyle his PTSD was diagnosed pretty quickly and it seems genuine.”
According to the NHS, high-security hospitals match category B prisons (local or training facilities), though they can accommodate individuals who would typically be sent to Category A environments. Following admission, hospitals can administer treatment without consent for up to three months, after which a second doctor’s approval is required to proceed.
Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald commented: “Thousands of people had gathered in the city to watch the Liverpool FC parade and it is only by sheer luck that nobody was killed because of Doyle’s reckless actions.
“In just seven minutes his dangerous driving meant that his car collided with more than 100 people, including children, in some cases trapping people underneath and causing serious injuries.”
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on individuals.” The Ministry of Justice also declined to comment.
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