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Mum tells Paul Doyle: 'Don't sit in the dock and cry for yourself'

Susan Farrell said her family's "joyful connection to Liverpool has become a source of anxiety and trauma"

[Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Paul Doyle, wiping away tears]

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Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Paul Doyle, wiping away tears(Image: PA)

A mum who saw injured people lying in the road after the Liverpool FC parade crash told perpetrator Paul Doyle: "Dont sit in the dock and cry for yourself." Susan Farrell, 55, said her family's "joyful connection to Liverpool has become a source of anxiety and trauma" after she witnessed the horrors first-hand.

Doyle ploughed his two-tonne Ford Galaxy into crowds of fans who had gathered in Liverpool city centre to celebrate the Reds' 20th Premier League title earlier this year. More than 100 people, ranging from babies to pensioners, were injured after being struck by the car on Water Street shortly after 6pm on Monday, May 26, as what was meant to be a day of joy turned into scenes of devastation and terror.

Fifty casualties required hospital treatment in the aftermath of the appalling incident, with all of them later discharged. Doyle, 54 and of Burghill Road in West Derby, admitted a total of 31 charges last month.

Doyle tearfully changed his pleas to guilty on the day he was due to go on trial and returned to Liverpool Crown Court in order to be sentenced on Monday. He is expected to learn his sentence later today.

Dozens of victim personal statements have been read to the court by the prosecution, from people who continue to suffer from the trauma they experienced. The statements detailed job losses, the slow recovery from injuries, fears of crowds and continued flashbacks.

Ms Farrell provided a statement to the court on behalf of herself and her husband, 62-year-old Colin. She said: "What was once a joyful connection to Liverpool has become a source of anxiety and trauma. My husband Colin, who is from Liverpool, has not seen his family in many months because I cannot face returning.

Click here to read about the hero who stopped the parade attacker and click here to read how Paul Doyle bit off a sailor's ear in the pub

"The M6, once a route filled with laughter and anticipation, now evokes memories of devastation and sorrow. We missed the funerals of two of Colins aunties because I couldnt bring myself to travel there. My eldest daughter, once an avid Liverpool FC fan, has not watched a single match since.

"The sight of red shirts and the sounds of chants are unbearable reminders of that day. She is now on a waiting list to begin CBT to help her cope with the trauma. My youngest daughter, a primary school teacher, cannot bear to hear your name or see your face.

"When your image appeared on television she fled the room. She is an educated woman, yet she cannot reconcile the horror of what happened. She still experiences the fear we felt that day, believing we were under attack, that you would emerge with a weapon. This image still terrifies her.

"I think about that day almost every day. I see the injured lying in the road, I remember one man lying motionless, and my daughter screaming, asking if he was dead. I feel guilt that I didnt stop to help. Colin feels guilt that he didnt confront you. We were just trying to protect our children.

"There are hundreds of people affected by your actions. I want you to think about them all. Dont sit in the dock and cry for yourself. Think about Colin missing his family. Think about the arguments you have caused. Think about my eldest daughter waiting for treatment.

Read how a mum told Paul Doyle not to sit in the dock and cry for himself and read about the woman who survived the Manchester Arena bombing only to be hit by Paul Doyle's car

"Think about my youngest daughter who had to stand in front of her class and talk about her trip to Liverpool after you drove a car at her. She was brave. She is brave. Now you be brave and take accountability for what you did."

Doyle, who was sat in the dock with his head bowed, choking back tears, appeared to slightly nod his head at the end of Ms Farrell's statement.

The charges Doyle has admitted included 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. The complainants in these matters were named as six-month-old Teddy Eveson, other boys and girls aged seven months, 10, 11, 13, as well as adults Jack Trotter, Jon Evans, Scott Dolan, Ashton Gilmore, Jacqueline McClaren, Jamie Fagan, Carl Martin, James Vernon, Emily Wright, David Price, James Weston and Ethan Gillard.

A further nine counts which he pleaded guilty to stated that he caused grievous bodily harm with intent to Helen Gilmore, Anna Bilonozhenko, Sheree Aldridge, Sam Alexander, Hannah ONeill, Stefan Dettlaf, Christine Seeckts, Susan Passey and Aaron Cothliff. He finally faces sentence for three offences of wounding with intent against a 12-year-old boy, Simon Nash and Robin Darke, as well as matters of affray and dangerous driving.

It is anticipated that Doyle, who is represented by Simon Csoka KC and Damian Nolan, will not be sentenced by the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC until tomorrow, Tuesday. The hearing continues, with the ECHO providing live updates from courtroom 41.

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