Paul Doyle, a fifty-three-year-old man, has pleaded not guilty to thirty-one charges, including dangerous driving, during his latest court appearance via videolink from prison. The charges stem from an incident on twenty-six May, when a Ford Galaxy car struck pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool City Centre, injuring more than one hundred thirty people, including eight children and two babies.

Doyle’s defence has faced significant challenges, with his legal team citing weeks-long delays in arranging access to their client in prison. Simon Csoka, his barrister, stated that the current system is not functioning effectively, highlighting that arrangements for Mr Doyle to have a laptop to review crucial digital evidence have yet to be organised.

During the hearing, Mr Doyle, who was visibly emotional, listened as his lawyer described the ongoing difficulties faced in preparing his defence. The court was informed that out of the thirty-one charges, the allegations include causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, with the youngest victim being just six months old and the oldest seventy-seven.

Judge Andrew Menary KC announced a pre-trial review hearing scheduled for twenty-seventh October, with the trial set to commence on twenty-fifth November. Prosecutors have claimed that Doyle used his vehicle as a weapon during the incident, which occurred as fans left the area after the match celebration.