A former soldier who stopped a car that had been driven into crowds of celebrating football supporters has been honoured for his “exceptional bravery”.Dan Barr, 41, climbed into the back seat of a Ford Galaxy, which Paul Doyle had driven at Liverpool fans at the club’s Premier League celebration parade in May last year.
Mr Barr, who spent eight years in the Royal Engineers, moved the gear stick to park mode to stop Doyle, 54, who injured 134 people when he “lost his temper”.
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How Liverpool parade attack unfolded
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Police tents and debris at the scene in Water Street in Liverpool. Pic: PA
On Thursday, the builder’s labourer from Birkenhead was presented with the High Sheriff’s Award for Bravery in a ceremony at Liverpool Crown Court.Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC, who jailed Doyle for 21 years and six months in December, told Mr Barr that what he did that day “mattered”.
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Emergency services at the scene. Pic: Reuters
Mr Menary said his actions mattered “to those who were injured. It mattered to their families. It mattered to the emergency services working desperately to regain control of a chaotic scene. And it mattered to this city”.He added the award also recognised “the resilience and solidarity of the people of Liverpool and the enduring truth that even in moments of darkness, courage and humanity prevail”.Mr Menary said: “On behalf of the court and the community it serves, I offer you our profound respect, our gratitude and our congratulations.”Mr Barr, who was there with his mother Honora Barr, said he felt “very privileged”, adding, “I’m really proud of this”.
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Liverpool attacker ‘drove over limbs, crushed prams’
High Sheriff of Merseyside Billy Hui handed Mr Barr a framed certificate which read: “This certificate is awarded to Daniel Barr in recognition of his exceptional bravery and presence of mind during the events of May 26 2025 in the city of Liverpool.”In circumstances of real and immediate danger arising during a large public celebration, he acted selflessly to assist those at risk and to reduce the likelihood of further serious harm.”His calm courage, concern for others, and willingness to place himself in danger to help those around him reflect the very best of civic responsibility and merit the court’s highest commendation.”He also received £250.
Read more:Liverpool parade victim tells of ‘carnage’How ‘red mist’ descended on Paul DoyleMr Barr said last year that he did not think he did “anything special”.Doyle, a father-of-three from Croxteth, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
