The UK driver accused of mowing down dozens of Liverpool FC soccer fans at a championship parade was close to tears as he faced court for the first time Friday — as it was revealed he’s a former Royal Marine and a dad of three.
Paul Doyle, 53, was charged with multiple counts of causing grievous bodily harm after he allegedly rammed into the huge crowd celebrating the soccer team’s Premier League title win on Monday.
Wearing a black suit, white shirt and gray tie, the suburban dad looked emotional as he spoke only to confirm his name, address and birth date during a brief hearing in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
If convicted, Doyle faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if he is convicted.
Doyle served in the Royal Marines for four years in the early 90s, and neighbors describe him as a “normal” and “well-balance” middle-class father who now owns his own business, according to the Telegraph.
The terrifying caught-on-camera ordeal left 79 people injured, police said.
The charges are tied to four adults and two children who were injured.
The city had been celebrating Liverpool’s record-tying 20th title when Doyle turned down a street full of fans by allegedly following an ambulance through a roadblock.
Horrifying footage showed the car striking and throwing a person wrapped in a red Liverpool flag into the air — before swerving into a sea of people.
