Brother of Man Accused of Assaulting Police Officers Defends Himself

The brother of a man accused of assaulting three police officers at Manchester Airport told a jury he struck out in self-defense after being placed in a situation where he had to defend himself. Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly used a "high level of violence" against PC Zachary Marsden, PC Lydia Ward, and PC Ellie Cook after they tried to arrest his younger brother, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz.

Amaad claimed that the police officers entered the Terminal 2 car park paystation with aggression, grabbed his younger brother, and pushed him into a ticket machine. He stated that he tried to "deescalate the situation" but then saw an officer grab his brother's neck, prompting him to place his hand under the officer's arm. Amaad denied pushing the officer or trying to grab his throat.

However, PC Marsden fired his Taser at Amaad, and he later sat down with his hands on his head. Amaad told the court, "I just felt to myself 'I'm not dying today'." Amaad's barrister, Chloe Gardner, asked him why he struck PC Marsden, to which Amaad replied, "I was put in a situation where I had to defend myself."

Key Takeaways:

• Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly assaulted PC Zachary Marsden, PC Lydia Ward, and PC Ellie Cook at Manchester Airport after they tried to arrest his younger brother.
• Amaad claimed the police officers entered the car park with aggression and grabbed his brother, prompting him to intervene.
• PC Marsden fired his Taser at Amaad, and he later sat down with his hands on his head.
• Amaad denied pushing the officer or trying to grab his throat, stating he was put in a situation where he had to defend himself.
• Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, is the younger brother of Muhammad Amaad and is also on trial for assaulting PC Marsden and PC Ward, causing them actual bodily harm.
• Amaad's elder brother, Mohammed Abid, 28, a serving officer with Greater Manchester Police since 2020, wrote a character reference for Amaaz, stating he lives a "clean, honest lifestyle" and is dedicated to his academic goals.

Statistics:

• 20 character references were read out for Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, including one from his elder brother Mohammed Abid.
• Amaad alleged PC Marsden fired his Taser at him twice, causing him to feel a "bang" and become stunned.
• Both Muhammad Amaad and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz are from Rochdale and deny the allegations against them.

Sources:

• Aamer Anwar, lawyer for Mohammed Fahir Amaaz
• Chloe Gardner, barrister for Muhammad Amaad
• Imran Khan KC, barrister for Mohammed Fahir Amaaz
• Liverpool Crown Court
• Manchester Evening News