Paul Doyle has admitted responsibility for a devastating crash that left dozens injured during Liverpool’s victory parade on May 26.
The 54-year-old changed his pleas on the second day of his trial at the Liverpool Crown Court, confessing to a string of serious offences linked to the incident.
Doyle pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent.
His dramatic change of plea came on Wednesday, just a day after a jury had been sworn in for the trial.
When asked to respond to the charges again, Doyle broke down, keeping his head lowered as he cried, occasionally wiping his face while speaking in a strained voice.
He had earlier denied all allegations connected to the May 26 crash, which occurred as thousands flooded central Liverpool to celebrate the club’s Premier League title triumph.
According to prosecutors, more than 130 people sustained injuries when Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into fans gathered on Water Street shortly after 6 p.m. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged days later.
The offences cover 29 victims ranging in age from six months to 77 years. Among them was baby Teddy Eveson, whom Doyle admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
Teddy’s parents later recounted how their son was hurled roughly 15 feet down the road in his pram at the moment of impact. Five additional child victims cannot be identified because of legal restrictions.
Doyle, described in reports as a former Royal Marine, had shown visible distress in several previous hearings held via video link.
On Wednesday, he appeared in court surrounded by members of his family.
On the day of the crash, the Liverpool squad had been completing a 15km parade route that began at 2:30 p.m. and wound its way through the city before reaching The Strand, which connects to Water Street.
Many fans were already dispersing when the collision happened.
According to Merseyside Police, investigators believe Doyle entered Water Street by following an ambulance that was granted temporary access through a roadblock as paramedics responded to a medical emergency involving a person suffering a heart attack.
