Why the media can’t name six of those hurt in Liverpool parade crash

Accused Paul Doyle appeared at the city's magistrates' and crown courts today

14:51, 30 May 2025Updated 16:54, 03 Jun 2025

Update, Tuesday, June 3: A judge lifted reporting restrictions concerning the four adult complainants. Full story here[1].

Restrictions were imposed today that will prevent the media from naming any of the complainants in the Liverpool parade crash investigation. Paul Doyle, 53, appeared before Liverpool's magistrates' and crown courts today, Friday, after being charged with a series of alleged offences following the incident during Monday's title celebrations in Liverpool city centre[2].

A total of 79 pedestrians, ranging from four children aged as young as nine to a 78-year-old casualty[3], were injured after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street shortly after 6pm, with 50 requiring hospital treatment.

Seven remain as inpatients, but are said to be in a stable condition and believed to be recovering well.

Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby[4], is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, two of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving[5]. Wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie and sporting unkempt, greying dark hair in the dock, he spoke only to confirm his name during the two hearings.

Large parts of the magistrates' court hearing was dedicated to discussions regarding reporting restrictions[6]. Prosecutor Phil Astbury applied for reporting restrictions to be put on the names of six complainants, including four adults.

District Judge Paul Healey confirmed he had granted the prosecution's request for orders protecting the identities of the complainants[7].

The case was later sent to the crown court, where it was heard before the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC.

Following further discussions, Judge Menary confirmed the reporting restrictions will remain in the interim, but said the case would be relisted next week for the matter to be determined. However, he added a different order in respect of the two child complainants will remain in place indefinitely.

In the case of all the orders, this prevents reporting of their names, addresses, places of work, schools, pictures or any other information which could lead to their identities being revealed. The media will be unable to reveal any of the listed information unless the orders are lifted.

Doyle, who sat with his head bowed for much of the two hearings, nodded as he was told he would be further remanded into custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14[8].

Judge Menary told him: "I am going to adjourn this matter now. The next hearing so far as you are concerned is a plea and trial preparation hearing on the 14th of August. The purpose of that hearing will be to enter your pleas to the indictment."

Doyle was charged with the seven offences, which relate to a total of six complainants,[9] on Thursday afternoon.

Two of the counts are in relation to children, namely one of wounding with intent and one of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, although none of the two men, two women and two boys, aged 11 and 17, can be named for legal reasons.

The defendant was pictured arriving in a GEOAmey van early this morning[10], flanked by police officers on motorcycles. Two Matrix vans and a number of PCs were also seen outside the court building on Derby Square.

Merseyside Police's assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said during a press conference at the force's headquarters on Thursday: "As always, our thoughts remain with all those injured and affected by the appalling incident that took place during the Liverpool Football Club parade on Monday. I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions.

"Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism, to seek the answers to all those questions.

When we are able to, we will provide further information.