Brother of Man Accused of Assaulting Police Officers Testifies in Court

Strategic Insights -

The brother of Muhammad Amaad, one of two men accused of using a "high level of violence" against three police officers at Manchester Airport, took the stand to defend his actions. Muhammad Amaad, 26, and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, are alleged to have assaulted Pc Zachary Marsden, Pc Lydia Ward, and Pc Ellie Cook after they tried to arrest Amaaz on July 23 last year. Amaad testified that he attempted to de-escalate the situation and was put in a situation where he had to defend himself.

Key Takeaways:

  • Muhammad Amaad, 26, and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, are accused of using a "high level of violence" against three police officers at Manchester Airport on July 23 last year.
  • Amaad testified that he attempted to de-escalate the situation and was put in a situation where he had to defend himself against Pc Zachary Marsden.
  • Amaad denied pushing Pc Marsden or trying to grab the officer's throat, but claimed that Pc Marsden grabbed his younger brother's neck.
  • Amaad's barrister, Chloe Gardner, asked him if he was trying to make things worse, to which he replied "no, I was trying to help, if anything".
  • Amaad's brother, Mohammed Abid, 28, a serving officer with Greater Manchester Police since 2020, provided a character reference for Amaaz, stating that he had never previously had any interactions with the police or the criminal justice system.

Statistics:

  • 20 character references were read out by Imran Khan KC, Amaaz's barrister, including testimonials from his elder brother and community members.
  • Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Ward, causing them actual bodily harm, as well as assaulting Pc Cook.

Sources:

  • "Liverpool Crown Court". Liverpool Echo.
  • "Manchester Airport police assault: Brother of accused man denies pushing Pc". PA Media.
  • "Police officer's brother denies assaulting Pc at Manchester Airport". BBC News.