Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle pleads not guilty in tears in court

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The man accused of driving into fans at Liverpool’s victory parade wiped away tears as he appeared in court at the start of his trial

Paul Doyle, 54, denies 31 offences related to the incident on May 26, as crowds gathered in the city to celebrate the team’s Premier League title triumph. Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, is accused of dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.

He spoke in court after the court clerk asked: “Are you Paul Desmond Sanders Doyle?” replying; “Yes I am.” The court heard four of the 31 charges needed to be amended. Doyle’s voice wavered and he wiped his eyes as he pleaded “not guilty”.

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A jury of seven and five women was sworn in ahead of the full opening of the trial today. Doyle - sporting slicked back greying hair and glasses, and wearing a black suit with a white shirt and grey tie - put his head in his hands and cried as the jury panel was brought into court.

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC, told jurors: “This case concerns allegations arising from events connected to Mr Doyle’s alleged conduct at the Liverpool Football Club parade.

“The incident, as you may already be aware, occurred in a busy city centre setting and has been the subject of public attention. For that reason it’s especially important for each of you to keep strictly the rules I’m about to outline. Your decision in this case must be solely based on the evidence you see and hear in this courtroom.”

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He told them: “Please don’t use any type of social media to tell the world that you're on jury service or communicate with anybody else about the case. Doing that could potentially amount to contempt of court and you could enter really serious trouble.”

The judge added: “In this particular case it's likely you will see press reporting about the trial as it proceeds. We hope and I'm confident that such reporting will be accurate. You must not allow any media report to influence your thinking. If you do come across a report inadvertently you must put it completely out of your mind and rely only on what you see and hear in this courtroom.

"Don't go looking for reports about this case. Please keep an open mind throughout the trial. Wait until you've heard all of the evidence. Then and only then begin to reach fixed conclusions about the evidence and what you are sure happened.”

More than 130 people reported injuries after the Ford Galaxy Titanium collided with crowds on Water Street just after 6pm on the day of the parade. The charges relate to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77 years old. The youngest is Teddy Eveson, who Doyle is accused of attempting to cause GBH with intent.

He is alleged to have injured or attempted to injure seven other children, aged between seven months and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons.