Latest news with #ex-RoyalMarine
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Paisley-born author swaps subsea robotics for crime as he launches debut novel
Chris Black has released his debut page-turner 'Capo' which is a sharp, character-driven crime thriller set on the streets of Glasgow. A Paisley-born author is swapping subsea robotics for the criminal underworld as he releases his debut novel. Chris Black, who works offshore as an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) supervisor, is delighted to have published his first debut novel 'Capo' –a sharp, character-driven crime thriller set on the streets of Glasgow. 'I wrote most of this between operations,' Chris told the Paisley Daily Express. 'Some of it in hotel rooms, some offshore, some back home in Dalgety Bay [in Fife]. 'I'd just sit down with a coffee, some music and chip away. It still doesn't feel quite real holding the final book. But it's live now, and that's surreal in the best way.' The novel follows Ezio Trevino, an ex-Royal Marine who's turned a run-down Glasgow bar into a live music venue with a few trusted friends – a dream life finally within reach. But Ezio has a plan already in motion: a final job designed to secure financial freedom and peace for the crew. When it goes sideways, it drags them deep into the city's criminal underworld and uncovers secrets Ezio thought he'd left buried in the desert. The former St Charles' Primary School pupil explained: 'It's about a guy who's done the hard stuff – desert ops, the brutal end of military life, and now he's finally got what he wants, good people around him, a bit of peace.' The book stands on its own as a complete story, but work is already underway on a sequel. Chris has mapped out a three-book arc, with teaser elements from book two included in the special edition. The 42-year-old said: 'There's a bigger world here and I wanted readers to feel it, even if they're just picking up this first one.' Although now based in Fife, Chris still makes the trip through to Paisley regularly as a 'lifelong' St Mirren fan. He said: 'It's where I'm from, all my family are in Paisley and me and my dad go to St Mirren games regularly, it's a big part of who I am.' Chris even served as the club mascot once as a kid. 'It was a midweek game against Rangers — Butcher, McCoist, all of them were there,' Chris explained. 'I'd picked Paul Lambert as my favourite player, even though he wasn't getting a game for us at the time. 'He'd already gone home that night but someone rang his landline and he actually drove back to meet me. Turned up in suit trousers and a tracksuit top, I've still got the photo. 'I was taking shots at Campbell Money in goal that night, too. You don't forget stuff like that.' Now published under his own imprint, Black Arts Development Ltd, Capo is available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon, with a signed special edition bundle, complete with classified case files and bonus material, available directly via his website.
Epoch Times
02-06-2025
- Epoch Times
Trial Date Fixed for Man Accused of Driving Into Crowds at Liverpool Parade
A trial date has been set for the alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on Aug. 14. Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for Nov. 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks. Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court: 'This is very much an ongoing investigation. There are many witnesses to be interviewed and a great deal of CCTV to be analysed.' Related Stories 5/27/2025 5/27/2025 Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building. Menary said, 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.' Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Astbury was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street. Police and emergency personnel in Liverpool on May 26, 2025. Danny Lawson/PA Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses.' Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from 9 to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
North Wales Chronicle
30-05-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Alleged Liverpool parade crash driver appears in court
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday morning charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday, which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon. Doyle, wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, looked emotional as he was brought in from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. District Judge Paul Healey asked the defendant to identify himself and in a croaky voice, Doyle confirmed his name and gave his date of birth and address in Liverpool. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Philip Astbury, prosecuting, was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. Chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, Sarah Hammond, said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from nine to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
Sunday World
30-05-2025
- Sunday World
Trial date fixed for man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool's victory parade
Paul Doyle was visibly shaken in the dock today Trial date fixed for man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool parade A trial date has been set for the alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14. Police and emergency personnel on Monday in Water Street (Danny Lawson/PA) Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for November 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks. Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court: 'This is very much an ongoing investigation. There are many witnesses to be interviewed and a great deal of CCTV to be analysed.' Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building. Judge Menary said: 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.' Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Mr Astbury was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. Paul Doyle appeared tearful in the dock (Elizabeth Cook/PA) According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street. Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. Chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from nine to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
Rhyl Journal
30-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Trial date fixed for man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool parade
Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14. Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for November 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks. Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court: 'This is very much an ongoing investigation. There are many witnesses to be interviewed and a great deal of CCTV to be analysed.' Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building. Judge Menary said: 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.' Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Mr Astbury was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street. Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. Chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from nine to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
