The man accused of deliberately driving a car into a crowd of Liverpool football fans has had his trial date set.
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared in court today charged with seven offences including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The father-of-three is said to have used his car ‘deliberately as a weapon’ to strike people walking back from a football parade in Liverpool city centre on May 26.
Doyle faces charges relating to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17, after a total of 109 people were injured.
He is due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on November 24 with the hearing estimated to last four weeks, the BBC has reported.
Doyle appeared in court today via video link from prison for a case management hearing.
The former royal marine spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear what was being said. He has not yet entered a plea for any of the charges.
During a previous hearing at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Doyle shook his head as the seven charges were read out.
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared in court today charged with seven offences including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent
Doyle is seen appearing in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on May 30
Police officers stand outside the entrance of the Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on May 30 when Doyle previously appeared
Judge Healey said the investigation was in the ‘very early stages,’ adding: ‘There is a real prospect of further charges and extensive inquiries need to be concluded.
‘I am satisfied this is a truly exceptional case. It shocked and outraged the people of Liverpool and beyond.’
Around 50 people were taken to hospital following the incident on the evening of May 26.
Distressing footage posted online shows supporters banging on the car’s windows before it accelerated and hit fans at speed, causing several to be catapulted off the bonnet.
Police quickly ruled out terrorism as a motive and went public with some details of the suspect.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson previously said: ‘This is a complex and constantly evolving investigation and we are still working through and assessing those reporting being injured and our enquiries remain ongoing.
‘I would continue to appeal for anyone who has information and is yet to come forward to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.’
She added: ‘As a person has now been charged in connection with this incident, I would like to remind people not to speculate or share information or footage which could in any way jeopardise the case.
‘We understand that emotions are still running high, and people are seeking answers, but it is vital that we allow the matter to go through the judicial process.’
