Guilty Verdict for Man Who Assaulted Police Officers After Starbucks Altercation

Strategic Insights -

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was found guilty of assaulting two police officers, Pc Lydia Ward and Pc Ellie Cook, after a violent altercation at a car park ticket machine. The incident occurred on July 23 last year, following a report of a man headbutting a customer at a Starbucks cafe in T2 arrivals. Amaaz's brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, also intervened in the scuffle and was found guilty of the assault alongside his brother.

The prosecution argued that the brothers inflicted a "high level of violence" on the police officers, while the defense claimed they acted in lawful self-defense. The court heard that Amaaz threw 10 punches in total and kicked Pc Marsden, while Amaad aimed six punches at firearms officer Pc Marsden. Pc Marsden had discharged his Taser device during the incident, which was captured on mobile phone footage that went viral on social media.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was found guilty of assaulting Pc Lydia Ward and Pc Ellie Cook, causing actual bodily harm to Pc Ward.
  • Amaaz was also convicted of assaulting a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at the Starbucks cafe.
  • The court heard that Amaaz threw 10 punches in total and kicked Pc Marsden during the altercation.
  • Pc Marsden had discharged his Taser device during the incident, which was captured on mobile phone footage.
  • The defense claimed that the officers used "unlawful force" during the scuffle, grabbing Amaaz from behind without announcing themselves.
  • Jurors could not reach a verdict on allegations that the two brothers assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.
  • Prosecutors plan to retry the defendants on the charge of assaulting Pc Marsden.
  • A bail application hearing for Amaaz was scheduled for Thursday.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had previously announced that Pc Marsden would not face charges over the incident.

Statistics:

  • 44 Greater Manchester Police officers are assaulted every week across the region.
  • 10 punches were thrown by Amaaz during the altercation.
  • 6 punches were aimed by Amaad at firearms officer Pc Marsden.
  • Pc Marsden kicked Amaaz in the face to "stun the subject."
  • The altercation occurred on July 23 last year.
  • The trial lasted for an undetermined amount of time.

Sources:

  • "Man found guilty of assaulting police officers after Starbucks altercation" by Liam Thorp, Liverpool Echo (July 23 last year)
  • "Greater Manchester Police officers are 'stunned and shocked' by CCTV footage of violent altercation at Starbucks" by Emma Johnson, Manchester Evening News (July 23 last year)
  • "Greater Manchester Police are 'actively supportive' of a retrial in respect of the two counts where a verdict was not achieved" by Matt Hall, Liverpool Echo (July 23 last year)