Liverpool parade crash major update as judge names victims for first time

A judge has ruled the four adult victims in the Liverpool FC parade crash court case can now be named - after they were initially granted anonymity. Last Friday ex-Royal Marine commando Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving, wounding with intent and grievous bodily harm (GBH) on six victims aged as young as 11.

At Doyle's first court appearance, District Judge Paul Healey placed reporting restrictions banning the naming of all six alleged victims - two being children aged 11 and 17. The four adults were granted anonymity under section 46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 - with the four stressing their anxiety and distress at being identified as alleged victims in the criminal case.

But today Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary quashed the order covering the four adults and ruled they should be publicly named in the interest of "open justice".

The Daily Express can now report that Doyle's four alleged adult victims are: Ethan Gillard, 18; Susan Passey, 77, Christine Seeckts, 66 and Simon Nash, 52.

Restrictions protecting the identities of the two children Doyle allegedly injured will remain in place - as they are aged under 18.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Menary said: "If asked I anticipate most people would say that if they were required to give evidence in court proceedings they would prefer not to have their involvement publicised.

"I do not underestimate the ordeal that potentially lies ahead for each of them. However, emotional upset alone does not meet the threshold under S46.

"This incident occurred during a public celebration attended by thousands - rightly regarded as a matter of public interest.

"Anonymising adult complainants in such circumstances would risk setting an unfortunate pattern where anonymity becomes the norm for witnesses in criminal cases - that would be contrary to the principle of open justice."

The incident on Water Street, in Liverpool, occurred around 6pm on Monday just moments after Arne Slot's team had paraded the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus.

A Ford Galaxy car is alleged to have tailgated an ambulance - as it went to treat a fan suffering a heart attack - through a roadblock and struck supporters.

Married father-of-three and businessman Doyle, of Burghill Road, West Derby, currently faces seven charges and remains in custody.

Those charges are dangerous driving; wounding Simon Nash with intent; wounding an 11 year-old boy with intent; GBH with intent on Susan Passey; GBH with intent on Christine Seecks; attempted GBH with intent on Ethan Gillard and attempted GBH with intent on a 17 year-old boy.

However last Friday at Doyle's first magistrates court appearance District Judge Healey said: "There is a real prospect of further charges and extensive inquiries need to be concluded.

"This is a truly exceptional case. It shocked and outraged the people of Liverpool and beyond."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) previously said the charges against Doyle would be kept "under review as the investigation progresses".

Last Friday as he stood in the glass-panelled dock looking ashen-faced, Doyle shook his head in the dock as a court heard he used a car "as a weapon" to mow down the Liverpool FC fans at their victory parade.

Judge Menary has already fixed a trial date for November 24th this year, which he said was estimated to take three to four weeks.

The court heard Doyle will not be asked to enter a plea to the charges until August 14th.

But his barrister Damian Nolan told last Friday's initial hearing that moving the trial to a different city - away from Liverpool - was an "active consideration."

On Monday this week Merseyside Police issued a new update on their investigation as they confirmed 109 Liverpool fans have now reported injuries from last week's incident - up from 79 last Friday.

The force also revealed that only four victims remain in hospital - although all are fortunately stable and recovering.

They also confirmed they have had over 500 images, video, CCTV and dashcam from the incident.

But they have now urged anyone else with information to contact them as soon as possible, to help them with their ongoing probe.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson 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 like to thank everyone who has been in touch with us so far to give witness accounts or supply information or video footage. The response so far has been of great assistance in progressing the investigation.

"We have had more than 500 submissions to the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) and a team of detectives are currently working through the information provided.

"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."

Detective Superintendent Wilson said: "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."

Information, including video footage, can be passed to us via the Major Incident Police Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2

You can also contact the Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.