Liverpool parade suspect Paul Doyle seen with head in hands as trial begins

Sombre Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle holds his head in his hands and looks close to tears as his trial begun today.

The 54-year-old faces a series of alleged offences after a car was driven into crowds of supporters during the Reds' Premier League title celebrations in Liverpool city centre in May. More than 100 pedestrians, ranging from children to a 78-year-old woman, were injured after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street shortly after 6pm on May 26 this year, with 50 people requiring hospital treatment. They were later discharged from hospital.

Doyle appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today wearing a black suit over a white shirt and grey tie and sporting glasses, with his greying hair slicked back. He appeared to wipe away tears from his eyes as he pleaded not guilty to four charges which had been amended on the indictment.

A sketch by a court artist sitting inside the courtroom showed the moment Doyle held his head in his hands as 33 potential jurors were called into court to begin the selection process. Seven men and five women were sworn as jurors with two other women confirmed as reserves for the opening of the case.

In count six, the charge of causing an 11-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, grievous bodily harm with intent was amended to an allegation of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Count 21, which accused Doyle of causing a 12-year-old boy grievous harm with intent, was meanwhile altered to an offence of wounding with intent. And counts 24 and 25, which had been matters of attempting to cause Hannah O’Neill and Stefan Dettlaf grievous bodily harm with intent, are now charged as causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He faces a total of 31 charges including 17 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. A further nine charges allege that he caused grievous bodily harm.

He finally faces three alleged offences of wounding with intent, as well as matters of affray and dangerous driving, having previously pleaded not guilty to the other charges during a plea and trial preparation hearing before the same court in September.