On May 26, 2025, what should have been a jubilant celebration for Liverpool Football Club and its fans turned into a day of chaos and trauma. As tens of thousands gathered in Liverpool’s city centre to mark the club’s long-awaited Premier League title win, a Ford Galaxy Titanium minivan suddenly ploughed into the crowd, leaving more than 130 people injured—some seriously, some still recovering, and all forever changed by the events of that fateful evening.
Now, after months of anticipation, the man behind the wheel has admitted his guilt. Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old former Royal Marine and father of three, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on November 26, 2025, and, in a dramatic turn, changed his plea to guilty on all charges. According to BBC and The Independent, Doyle sobbed in the dock as he confessed to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent. The charges relate to 29 victims, ranging from a six-month-old baby to a 77-year-old pensioner, though the total number of injured exceeded 130.
The incident unfolded during the evening hours as fans—young and old—were making their way home from the parade. Dashcam footage, reviewed by prosecutors and reported by The Guardian and AP, showed Doyle becoming increasingly agitated by the slow-moving crowds on Dale Street and Water Street. Rather than waiting for the throngs of supporters to pass, Doyle deliberately drove into them, forcing his way through the packed streets. "Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence. This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle – it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem," said Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond, as quoted by The Independent.
The consequences were immediate and devastating. In just seven minutes, Doyle’s minivan struck more than 100 people, including children. Some were trapped beneath the two-tonne vehicle. Emergency services, including Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, and Merseyside Fire & Rescue, rushed to the scene. Their swift response, along with the bravery of bystanders, undoubtedly saved lives, according to statements issued by Liverpool FC and local authorities.
Among the victims was six-month-old Teddy Eveson, who, according to his parents, was thrown about 15 feet down the road in his pram. Four people ended up trapped under the car when it finally came to a halt. In total, fifty people required hospital treatment, and many more suffered less severe but still distressing injuries. Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald emphasized the gravity of the situation, telling reporters, "It is only by sheer luck that nobody was killed because of Doyle’s reckless actions." He added, "What should have been a day of celebration for the city turned into a distressing and frightening experience, which we know continues to have a physical and psychological impact on many people."
Authorities were quick to clarify that they did not suspect terrorism and believed Doyle acted alone. While the court did not hear a full explanation of Doyle’s motive, it was understood from prosecution statements and dashcam evidence that he lost his temper as he tried to collect a friend and family from the parade. Instead of waiting, he chose to force his way through the crowd, turning a city’s joy into mayhem. As the prosecution put it, "By entering guilty pleas, Doyle has finally accepted that he intentionally drove into crowds of innocent people during Liverpool FC’s victory parade."
Doyle’s trial had been scheduled to last a month, but his sudden change of plea on the opening day led Judge Andrew Menary to discharge the jury. The judge made clear the seriousness of the offences and the inevitability of a custodial sentence, stating, "It is inevitable there will be a custodial sentence of some length and you should prepare yourself for that inevitability." Doyle was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced during a two-day hearing on December 15 and 16, 2025. During that hearing, victims will have the opportunity to read statements describing the impact the attack has had on their lives. Judge Menary also indicated he would consider character evidence from Doyle’s defence before determining the length of the sentence.
The attack struck at the heart of a city united by sport and celebration. Liverpool FC, whose parade had drawn an estimated 750,000 fans, released a statement expressing sorrow for the victims and gratitude to emergency responders and the public. "The day of incredible joy ended in unimaginable circumstances and we hope today’s conviction brings some peace to all those affected by the horrific incident. Our thoughts are with them all," the club stated. They also praised the emergency services and members of the public "who responded with such bravery and compassion on the day. Their actions undoubtedly saved lives and exemplified the spirit of our city."
For many in Liverpool, the attack remains a source of shock and sorrow. Detective Chief Inspector Fitzgerald reflected on the ongoing recovery process, noting, "We know that a lot of people are still recovering from the injuries they suffered on that day and our thoughts remain with them and those that continue to be affected. We hope that the knowledge Doyle is now facing a considerable prison sentence will be able to help those affected to move on with their lives."
The court proceedings and aftermath have been closely followed by the public and media alike. The BBC provided live reporting from Liverpool Crown Court and produced a special podcast, "Liverpool Parade: The Paul Doyle Trial," to explore the prosecution and defence in detail. As the city waits for the sentencing in December, the hope is that justice and accountability will offer some solace to those whose lives were upended by an act of senseless violence.
In the end, what was meant to be a triumphant celebration for Liverpool FC became a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy. The resilience shown by the city, its emergency services, and its people stands in sharp contrast to the actions of one man—a contrast that will linger long after the courtroom doors close.
