Paul Doyle presented a desolate figure in court, shedding tears while watching disturbing footage of his violent actions being shown to his victims. The courtroom was packed with his victims and their families, with an overflow room having to be opened to accommodate all those affected by his actions on May 26.
As the CCTV and dashcam videos of the chaos he caused played out, gasps and tears filled the room. The harrowing footage depicted individuals being struck by Doyle’s car, some being flung over the bonnet while others were dragged under the wheels as he drove recklessly through the crowd. Shocking images of people trapped under his vehicle were also displayed, including scenes of teenagers and a young boy being rescued from underneath the car.
Despite his composed appearance in a suit and tie, Doyle repeatedly broke down in tears during his court appearances. His emotional reaction intensified as his plea changed dramatically just before the prosecution’s case was set to begin. The court was warned by Paul Greaney KC that the footage of Doyle’s aggressive behavior was truly disturbing, eliciting shocked reactions from the families present.
Details of Doyle’s deceitful statements to the police were revealed in court, with his claims of panic and self-defense being contradicted by the evidence from his dashcam footage. Victim impact statements from some of the 134 injured individuals were read out, highlighting the severe mental and physical trauma inflicted on them.
Facing 31 charges, including multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving, Doyle’s sentencing is scheduled for the next day. His demeanor remained stoic as the court heard about the lasting impact of his actions on the victims, ranging from children to the elderly.
Phil Cardy, the Mirror’s northern reporter, provided this coverage based in Manchester, drawing on his extensive journalistic experience spanning over 25 years. His reporting has encompassed major national and international events, including acts of terrorism and natural disasters, demonstrating his commitment to delivering impactful news stories.