Four Liverpool parade crash victims named after judge lifts anonymity order

Judge Menary KC has lifted the order preventing four adult victims of an alleged attack during Liverpool FC’s title parade from being named. The accused, Paul Doyle, is facing charges including unlawful wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, and attempted GBH. While reporting restrictions still apply to two children involved in the incident, the names of the adult victims have been allowed to be reported during a hearing at Liverpool crown court.

In his decision, Judge Menary emphasized the importance of open justice as a core constitutional value. He acknowledged the concerns of the victims about testifying in a high-profile trial and being named in media reports. Despite their anxieties, the judge determined that the public nature of the incident and the sympathetic public response did not warrant keeping the victims anonymous.

The judge expressed that allowing anonymity for adult complainants in such circumstances could set a dangerous precedent contrary to the principle of open justice. He concluded that the public interest in open and accurate reporting outweighed any potential distress to the witnesses. As a result, the reporting restrictions were lifted, allowing the victims’ names to be reported to the public.

Paul Doyle, the accused, was not present at the court hearing. His plea hearing is scheduled for August, with a provisional trial date set for November. The legal proceedings are ongoing in the case involving the alleged attack at Liverpool FC’s title parade on bank holiday Monday

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