Liverpool parade accused Paul Doyle cries in court as jury sworn in
Paul Doyle cried as potential jurors were selected for his trial at Liverpool Crown Court today (November 25).
The 54-year-old, formerly of Burghill Road in West Derby, cried as he spoke to confirm his name and held his head in his hands as the panel of more than 30 jurors was brought into the courtroom.
Five women and seven men were sworn in to serve on the jury for the trial, which is expected to last several weeks, with two women to sit as reserve jurors through the opening of the case.
Mr Doyle faces 31 alleged offences after a car drove into fans during the Liverpool FC victory parade celebrations on Water Street on May 26. Merseyside Police said more than 130 people were injured in the incident, which occurred shortly after 6.00pm.
Before the jury came in, Mr Doyle was rearraigned on four counts which were amended to reflect medical evidence and entered not guilty pleas.
He denies dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
The charges relate to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77 years old.
Addressing jurors at Liverpool Crown Court, Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: “The incident, as you may already be aware from general public knowledge, occurred in a busy city centre setting and has been the subject of public attention.
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“For that reason it is especially important each of you keep strictly to the rules I am about to outline to you.”
He said their decisions must be based solely on the evidence heard in court and warned them against doing their own research or using social media to speak about the trial.
Jurors were told to return on Wednesday (November 25), when the prosecution is expected to open the case.