Liverpool parade crash victims speak out on lasting toll a year on

Survivors of the Liverpool victory parade attack describe lost jobs, broken relationships and persistent injuries a year after Paul Doyle drove into crowds. The Independent spoke to those whose lives were changed on 26 May 2025.

'You are on your own': parade crash victims on a year of pain and loss

A year after Paul Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's victory parade, survivors have described the lasting damage to their finances, relationships and mental health. The Independent spoke to several of those injured on 26 May 2025, whose accounts reveal a recovery that, for many, remains far from complete.

Dan Eveson, 37, a former Royal Military Police soldier, lost his factory job as a direct result of severe back injuries he sustained in the attack. The image of his baby son Teddy being thrown 15 feet down the road still interrupts his sleep at night.

"When the court case finished in December, it was like 'that's it, we're sorry for what happened, now go get on with your lives' – but how can you?" he said. "How can you when you've got no job, you're stuck at home in pain, you're struggling in your relationship and you can't forget?"

His partner Sheree Aldridge has attended more than 70 medical appointments for nerve damage and a spinal injury after being struck by Doyle's 1.9-tonne vehicle. Both were among the dozens of victims who gave impact statements during Doyle's sentencing hearing.

Their accounts were joined by that of Stefan Dettlaff, 73, who broke six ribs in the attack and told the court he would frequently break down in tears over what had happened. Amanda Gardener, 52, described feelings of guilt after having brought her sister to the parade, who was sent "flying into the air" by the vehicle.

Anna Bilonozhenko, a Ukrainian woman who fled the war with Russia in 2024, said: "We came to this country because of the war in our homeland, hoping to finally feel safe. At first, we did. But now that feeling has been taken away." Cancer survivor David Price said the trauma had taken him "to a darker place than ever my cancer battle did", adding that he had feared for the lives of his wife and children during the attack.

Electrician Mike Blair, 31, was among those who rushed to help victims trapped beneath Doyle's car after it came to a stop. Injuries to his hands, arms and back put him out of action for an extended period, during which his business ground to a halt. He estimates that failing to complete contracted work cost him £70,000.

"I had to borrow money off family and friends to cover costs," Blair said. "It stripped away my independence and battered my confidence. Even now, as we try to rebuild again, I'm still struggling to breathe as a result of the injuries. Yet we've had very little help — it's been an eye-opener. It's a tough world and when something like this happens, you are on your own."

Teenager Aaron Cothliff, now 18, was left bed-bound in the weeks following the crash, unable to shower or dress without assistance due to leg injuries. He missed a planned family holiday abroad, sold concert tickets, skipped friends' birthday celebrations and cancelled his driving test. He returned to work as a prep chef two months after the attack, but on reduced hours. "It changed my life," he said.

One figure to emerge from the day with public recognition was Dan Barr, 41, a former armed serviceman who brought Doyle's vehicle to a stop by climbing into the back seat and forcing the gear stick into park. In February he received the High Sheriff's Award along with £250 for his actions.

Speaking from a yard where he is currently rebuilding a van, Barr said the events of that day remain largely a blur. He believes he sustained head injuries during the struggle inside the vehicle, though he is not certain of their cause. Since the attack he has been out of work and has noticed difficulty maintaining focus.

"I'm trying to get myself right," he said. "Working now, I'll get a little bit snappy, then embarrassed at things like forgetting stuff. I'll sometimes feel lost and confused, before my mind will be drawn to something else."

On whether he still thinks about the attack, Barr said: "I think about it a lot. I'm trying to stop. If I catch myself dwelling on it too much, I'll try and catch myself and do something else, because I can get angry about it. I saw his face. I felt his aggression. That stays with you."

Barr has been selected alongside other ex-servicemen for a mindset training workshop in the Wirral. He also speaks regularly with other survivors, including Eveson, as part of what he describes as a form of group rehabilitation.

In court, prosecutors chose to show just 140 seconds of CCTV footage from the day — a fraction of the total — given the severity of what it depicted. Doyle, who neighbours had described as a "perfect family man" despite a documented history of violence, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison by Judge Andrew Menary KC. The judge said it was "difficult, if not impossible, to convey in words alone the scene of devastation you caused".

Doyle did not offer a defence, having not stood trial, and no confirmed motive has been established. It was suggested in proceedings that he acted out of a sense of self-preservation, believing himself to be in danger — an explanation that has brought little comfort to those who were there.

There has been some assistance for survivors. Liverpool FC made contact with victims for whom the club held details, and information about support services was distributed through club channels. Fundraising efforts have also seen thousands of pounds directed to those affected, including to Eveson, Aldridge and Blair.

Source: The Independent