Liverpool parade driver charged with multiple offences
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The alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool’s victory parade has been charged with multiple offences, including wounding and causing grievous bodily harm.
A huge crowd of ecstatic football fans were celebrating the storied English club’s recent Premier League title across a 16-kilometre parade route on Monday when festive scenes turned to chaos.
Nearly 80 people suffered injuries in the incident just after 6pm local time on Monday.
The age of the victims ranged from nine to 78 years old.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Paul Doyle, 53, is accused of two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He is also accused of two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.
Doyle, of the West Derby area of Liverpool, is due to appear at the city’s magistrates’ court on Friday.
Prosecutors said the charges would be kept “under review as the investigation progresses”.
Chief Crown Prosecutor for Mersey-Cheshire, Sarah Hammond, said the investigation is at an early stage.
“Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence,” she said in a statement.
“This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.”
Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Jenny Sims told reporters she fully understands how this incident has left many shocked, saddened and with concerns and questions.
“Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answer to all of those questions. When we are able to, we will provide further information,” she said.
PA
