Retrial for Two Brothers Accused of Assaulting Police Officers at Manchester Airport

Strategic Insights -

The case against two brothers, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, accused of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport, has been referred to a retrial in April next year. The jury at Liverpool Crown Court was unable to reach a verdict on allegations of assaulting PC Zachary Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. The brothers, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, were found guilty of other assault charges, including the assault of two female officers and a member of the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was found guilty of assaulting two female officers and a member of the public, while his brother Muhammad Amaad, 26, was given unconditional bail.
  • Amaaz was found guilty of assaulting PC Lydia Ward, causing actual bodily harm, and PC Ellie Cook, as well as the assault of a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil.
  • The jury spent 10 hours deliberating on allegations of assaulting PC Zachary Marsden, causing actual bodily harm, which resulted in a hung jury.
  • The retrial is set to take place on April 7 next year and is estimated to last three to four weeks.
  • Amanda J Reece, representing Amaaz, told the court that 'professional commitments' of defence counsel meant the trial could not be heard before then.
  • A bail application for Amaaz, who was remanded in custody after the verdicts were returned, was adjourned until August 26.
  • The brothers' defence team claimed that the officers used "unlawful force" as they grabbed Amaaz from behind without announcing themselves.
  • Amaaz gave evidence that he feared the "lunatic" male officer would "batter him to death," while Amaad claimed he believed he was under attack.

Statistics:

  • The incident occurred on July 23 last year at the Manchester Airport car park.
  • Amaaz lay on the floor for several minutes after being punched by PC Marsden.
  • Mobile phone footage of the incident was shared on social media and went viral.
  • The trial lasted for several days, with the jury spending 10 hours deliberating on the undecided charge.
  • The retrial is estimated to last three to four weeks and will take place in April next year.

Sources:

  • [ BBC News ]