A shocking incident unfolded on Sunday 26th May 2025 during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade. A vehicle reportedly drove into a crowd gathered on Water Street, injuring 79 people, including a nine-year-old child.
Merseyside Police have today (29th May 2025) charged 53-year-old Paul Doyle, a former Royal Marine from West Derby, with several serious offences. He is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday 30th May 2025.
At Sahota and Sahota Solicitors, we specialise in defending serious criminal allegations. If you are facing similar charges or require expert legal advice, contact us today.
If you need urgent legal advice now, call 01162 555155.
What Has Paul Doyle Been Charged With?
Mr Doyle has been charged with the following:
- Two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two counts of causing unlawful and malicious GBH with intent
- Two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious GBH with intent
- One count of dangerous driving.
These are extremely serious allegations. Offences involving grievous bodily harm with intent are categorised among the most severe crimes under UK law.
What Do These Charges Mean?
- Wounding with Intent to Cause GBH (Section 18 OAPA 1861)
This offence involves unlawfully breaking the skin of another person with the intention of causing serious harm. It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
- Causing Unlawful and Malicious GBH with Intent
Similar to the above, but may not involve an open wound. The prosecution must prove that serious injury was inflicted deliberately.
- Attempted GBH with Intent
Even if serious harm did not occur, attempting to cause such harm can still result in conviction and severe penalties.
- Dangerous Driving (Section 2 RTA 1988)
This refers to driving that falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver and puts the public at risk. It carries up to 2 years’ imprisonment, a fine and disqualification from driving.
What Sentence Could Be Imposed If Found Guilty?
The most serious charges – wounding or GBH with intent- can result in life imprisonment. Sentencing will depend on:
- The nature and extent of the injuries
- The number of victims involved
- Whether the act was premeditated
- Any aggravating or mitigating features.
For dangerous driving, the court may consider aggravating features such as driving through a crowd, causing multiple injuries or showing a blatant disregard for public safety.
What Are the Possible Defences to These Charges?
Anyone accused of these types of offences is entitled to put forward a defence. Depending on the evidence, defences may include:
- Lack of intent – Arguing the defendant did not intend to cause serious harm
- Mental health issues – If the defendant was suffering from a recognised mental disorder at the time
- Loss of control or automatism – Including seizure, medical episode, or mechanical failure
- Mistaken identity – Where there is doubt over who was driving the vehicle
- Self-defence or defence of others – In very rare and specific circumstances
Each case must be assessed individually. A specialist criminal defence solicitor can analyse the evidence, advise on likely outcomes and ensure your rights are protected.
Accused of a Similar Offence? Speak to Our Criminal Defence Solicitors
If you have been accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, grievous bodily harm, or any similar offence, we urge you to get in touch with our team as soon as possible. Early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
At Sahota and Sahota Solicitors, we specialise in criminal law and have experience defending clients facing high-profile and serious charges.
You can call or WhatsApp us on 01162 555155
You can visit us at: Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, 25 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 6TE
