‘Nobody from Liverpool contacted us’, parade crash victims lament

2026-03-16 - 17:46

Survivors of the horrifying car attack during Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade celebrations have spoken publicly for the first time, detailing lasting physical and psychological injuries and expressing deep disappointment at what they describe as a lack of support from the football club. The incident occurred on May 26 last year when Paul Doyle, a 54-year-old married father-of-three from Croxteth, deliberately drove his nearly two-tonne Ford Galaxy into crowds of celebrating fans. Doyle was sentenced in December to 21 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to 31 offences, including dangerous driving, affray, multiple counts of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, causing GBH with intent, and wounding with intent. Court footage and dashcam video captured Doyle in a fit of rage, shouting abuse and using his vehicle as a “weapon” in just seven minutes, injuring 134 people-ranging in age from six months to 77 years. Prosecutors described it as “pure luck” that no one was killed. Stefan Dettlaf, 73, a lifelong Reds supporter who suffered six broken ribs and spent days in hospital, told 5 News at 5 he felt sympathy for Doyle during the sentencing hearing despite the severity of the attack. “He really looked as though he was going through it,” Dettlaf said. “I did feel sorry for him in the court... I see people saying he deserved everything he got and should have got a lot more and absolutely agree. Then I see the other side where he never killed anybody as well which was absolute pure luck.” Dettlaf, who only felt able to speak out 293 days after the attack, revealed ongoing trauma including flashbacks and emotional breakdowns. “For months after-right up until January-even talking about this I would break down talking about it,” he added. Dean Townsend, 31, who attended the parade with his nephew (also injured) and sustained three broken ribs, said his pre-existing epilepsy has “spiralled out of control” since the incident. He now attends counselling twice weekly. “I feel well and truly forgotten,” Townsend said. “I’m possibly not the only one. I know I’m not the only one who feels forgotten about by the club.” Both victims criticised Liverpool FC for what they perceive as indifference. Dettlaf, a supporter for over 60 years, said: “I believe Liverpool have let us down... The club-total disinterest. No offers of counselling from the club or anything.” The club told 5 News it was only provided details of around 30 victims-graded by severity-and was not permitted to contact them directly. Doyle wept in court as graphic footage was replayed multiple times, showing pedestrians desperately pulling children from the car’s path and the windscreen smashing after a man landed on it. Prosecutors said he collided with “well over 100 people” in two minutes and was prepared to cause serious harm-even to children-to force his way through.