MERSEYSIDE'S Police and Crime Commissioner has responded to the sentencing of Paul Doyle, for the appalling incident which injured 134 people and caused widespread distress during Liverpool's Victory Parade on:- 26 May 2025.  On that day, a motorist, Paul Doyle, drove a grey Ford Galaxy into a crowd on:- Water Street, Liverpool.  Prosecutors and Police said Paul Doyle, 54, had used his vehicle:- "as a weapon" in a moment of rage at the victory parade within the City Centre. On Tuesday, 16 December 2025 he was  sentenced to 21 years and 6 months after admitting:- 31 criminal charges over the incident.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "The events of 26 May 2025 will forever remain etched in the memory of our City. What should have been a day of joy and celebration was instead overshadowed by Paul Doyle's senseless actions that brought chaos and suffering for so many. My thoughts today are firmly with the hundreds of people affected; those who suffered injuries, those who witnessed the harm, and everyone who continues to live with the psychological impact of that day. The repercussions of this incident have been felt far and wide and, for those most impacted, continue to this day. The incident shocked and appalled us all. Not only here in our City, but millions watching the parade. Given the sheer recklessness and disregard for human life Doyle displayed, it is nothing short of a miracle that no lives were lost that day. I want to pay tribute to the bravery of members of the public who intervened, particularly:- Daniel Barr, whose quick thinking and courage in stopping Doyle's vehicle undoubtedly prevented further injuries and possibly saved lives. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the emergency services who responded with professionalism and compassion in the most challenging circumstances; Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the North West and St John Ambulance Services, HM Coastguard, and all those who worked tirelessly to care for the injured and support those affected. Their efforts on the day, and in the weeks and months that followed, have been exceptional. This case has involved 1 of the most extensive investigations in Merseyside Police's history. Officers and staff dedicated countless hours to gathering evidence, reviewing the distressing footage, supporting victims, and building a case so strong that Doyle had no choice but to plead guilty. I commend their determination and the collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service in securing justice. Today's sentence reflects the gravity of Doyle’s behaviour and the devastating impact it has had on so many lives. It sends a clear message that such reckless disregard for human life will never be tolerated. This incident is a stark reminder of how devastating the consequences of dangerous driving can be, and how one individual’s actions behind the wheel can change lives in an instant. I want to remind anyone affected by these events that support is available through Victim Care Merseyside. We know that today may bring renewed upset and anxiety. If so, please reach out, support is there for you. Liverpool is a City defined by resilience and solidarity. While this sentencing cannot erase the trauma of that day, I hope it offer some sense of closure and an important step for all those affected."

Reacting to the sentencing of Paul Doyle, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, has also said:- "Today will hopefully bring some measure of closure to the victims whose lives were changed by 1 man's reckless actions on what should have been a day of celebration. Nothing can undo the physical and emotional trauma that many people will continue to live with. But it's important that anyone affected knows support is still available, not just now, but in the months and years ahead. I want to thank Merseyside Police and all the emergency services for their professionalism and compassion in the immediate aftermath. And I want to pay tribute to the ordinary people of our City who ran towards danger, helping strangers, offering 1st aid, opening their homes, and doing whatever they could in the moments that mattered most. Their collective response showed the very best of our region at such a difficult time."

If you were affected by the incident on Water Street, please call Victim Care Merseyside on Freephone::- 08081753080, between:- 8am and 6pm, weekdays. Alternatively, request support anytime online at:- VictimCareMerseyside.Org.