A 53-year-old man has appeared in court after a car was driven into a crowd at Liverpool FC’s trophy parade earlier this week.
Paul Doyle, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, is charged with seven offences.
District Judge Paul Healey asked the businessman to identify himself, and in a croaky voice, Doyle confirmed his name, gave his date of birth and address at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He gave no indication of pleas when the charges were read to the court.
The hearing has been adjourned while reporting restrictions are considered by the court and Doyle has been remanded in custody.
The father-of-three 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.
Public interest intense as Doyle appears to hold back tears
We’ve seen Paul Doyle in photographs, where he’s smiling, either by himself or with family.
Today was our first opportunity to see the 53-year-old in person.
Doyle is believed to have been brought in a white police van from police custody, where he has been since Monday night, to Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Shortly after 10.30am, he was brought into court and appeared to be holding back tears.
Doyle wore a black suit, white shirt and grey tie and spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
His voice was croaky as he spoke – and then he sat, head bowed, listening to the legal argument around him.
There are seven charges against Doyle involving six people, including two children. The Crown Prosecution Service say they will continue to review these, as the police investigation continues.
The public interest in the case is intense.
The courtroom here is full, with dozens of journalists in the public gallery – court staff had to make an additional room available for everyone who wanted to see what was happening.
Doyle 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.
The charges relate to six people, including two children. A wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge relate to a child.
Thousands of fans were gathered in Liverpool city centre on Monday to celebrate the Premier League champions’ title win when a car struck a crowd on Water Street.
Police said a total of 79 people were injured in the incident, with the youngest aged nine, and the oldest being a 78-year-old.
Seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition.
