Liverpool parade crash accused appears in court

The man accused of deliberately driving a car into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans has appeared in court today where his trial date was confirmed.

Paul Doyle, 53, is due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court in November after being charged with seven offences including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The dad-of-three was arrested after a Ford Galaxy car struck fans making their way back from watching the parade in Water Street, in Liverpool city centre, on the evening of 26 May.

Mr Doyle, appearing in court at a case management hearing on video link from prison, spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear what was being said.

Former Royal Marine Commando Mr Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, was accused of "using his car as a weapon" during the parade at an earlier hearing.

He faces charges relating to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17, after a total of 109 people were injured.

Mr Doyle has not yet been asked to enter pleas to the charges.

The contents of the hearing, which dealt with legal and administrative issues, cannot be reported.

Mr Doyle appeared to be listening intently and could be seen scribbling notes with a black ballpoint pen.

Judge Andrew Menary KC confirmed the trial would remain listed for 24 November with a four week estimate.

At a previous hearing junior counsel for the prosecution, Philip Astbury, told the court: "Six charges of assault reflect the most seriously injured of those who were struck by the vehicle.

"The first count of dangerous driving reflects the manner of driving before and up until the point he used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure those individuals."

The incident happened after hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans packed the city centre and lined the 10-mile (16-km) parade route as their club celebrated winning its second Premier League title and 20th top-flight league championship.

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