Jury Finds Amaaz and Amaad Guilty in Manchester Airport Police Assault Trial
Overview
After nearly four weeks of testimony, CCTV footage and emotional statements, the jury has returned a guilty verdict in the trial of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, who were charged with the violent assault of three police officers at Manchester Airport.
The jury rejected the brothers’ claims of acting in self-defence, instead concluding the attack was a “violent, sustained and unprovoked” assault on officers lawfully carrying out their duties.
CCTV Footage Proved Crucial
The evidence that most swayed the jury was harrowing CCTV footage. It showed PC Zachary Marsden being struck repeatedly by Amaaz while Amaad grabbed and assaulted the same officer. PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook were also attacked, both requiring hospital treatment for their injuries.
Prosecutors described the attack as “relentless”, pointing to multiple blows delivered after the officers were incapacitated.
Defence Argument Rejected
The defence attempted to argue the brothers lashed out in fear and that PC Marsden had been the initial aggressor. However, jurors remained unconvinced after seeing the full, unedited footage and hearing from eyewitnesses.
“This was not panic or misunderstanding, but deliberate violence,” the prosecution told the court.
IOPC Investigation Still Ongoing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been carrying out a parallel investigation into the actions of the officers involved. Now that the criminal trial has concluded, the watchdog is expected to announce whether any misconduct proceedings will follow.
National Reaction
The verdict brings closure to a case that has sparked national debate about the dangers faced by frontline officers. Policing representatives have called the outcome a “clear message that violence against officers will not be tolerated”.
Sentencing will take place at a later date, with both Amaaz and Amaad facing lengthy prison terms.
