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An ex- Royal Marines Commando was a “man in a rage” when he mowed down dozens of Liverpool football club fans at a championship celebration, an incident many initially feared to be a terrorist attack, according to court proceedings.

“The footage is profoundly upsetting.”

Victims of Paul Doyle cried as dashcam footage depicted bodies spinning through the air while he sped towards the gathering and shouted: “Get out of the way!”

Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Tuesday following his guilty plea on the first day of his trial last month to 31 offences against 29 victims, including eight minors.

‘Consumed by Anger’

The prosecution stated those in court that the video evidence from Doyle’s two-tonne Ford Galaxy proved to be “extremely graphic”. It showed the parent shouting “fucking pricks” and “move out of the way” while he headed straight for a large crowd of supporters, some pulling children out of the way as he blasted the horn.

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

Extent of the Injuries

In total, the ex-marine hurt 134 individuals within a mere seven-minute span – including more than 50 who needed hospital treatment. An infant was “miraculously” unharmed despite being left splayed on the road after the vehicle struck his stroller, according to testimony.

One fan, Simon Nash, was shown being thrown into the air by the vehicle, suffering a cut on his head, rib fractures and numerous scrapes.

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

Scene of Jubilation Turns to Horror

Speaking to a full court, the prosecution said approximately a million individuals were present at “an event they believed to be a joyous occasion” marking the football club’s championship win. Scenes of jubilation swiftly became “terror”, it was said, as Doyle drove into oncoming fans while trying to collect a companion who had been at the parade.

“Witnesses believed what was taking place constituted a terrorist incident.”

Brave Intervention Stops Driver

As bodies lay on the ground, the vehicle’s path was brought to a halt by an ex-army member, Dan Barr, who climbed into a rear passenger seat and held the car’s gear selector in “park”. Even then, Doyle kept his foot on the accelerator, the court heard.

During questioning, Doyle claimed he acted in a “state of sheer panic” due to a fear for his safety. However, prosecutors contended that the video demonstrated the defendant “just lost his temper in his determination to reach his destination”. The prosecutor added: “In a rage, he targeted the crowd and as he did so he intended to cause them serious harm.”

Dangerous Driving Prior to Incident

Footage indicated Doyle was driving recklessly prior to entering downtown, undertaking cars at speed and running red lights. He ignored traffic diversion measures and bypassed other cars, including an ambulance and police cars, as he entered the crowds.

Doyle is expected to receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years at his sentencing hearing.