Court rules brothers will not face third trial over Manchester Airport officer assault

Liverpool Crown Court ruled that two brothers will not face a third trial on charges they assaulted a police officer at Manchester Airport last July. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad had been accused of using a high level of violence to cause actual bodily harm to Pc Zachary Marsden. Both men denied the charge and said they acted in self-defence.

Background of the incident The confrontation occurred on July 23, 2024, after three Greater Manchester Police officers entered the Terminal 2 car park paystation following reports that a man matching Amaaz’s description had headbutted a member of the public at a Starbucks cafe.

Prosecutors said Amaaz resisted efforts to remove him and that Amaad intervened. Pc Ward suffered a broken nose after being punched; Pc Cook was knocked to the ground by elbows and punches. Amaaz was convicted in the first trial of assaulting Pc Ward and Pc Cook.

He remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on June 26.

Court proceedings and outcomes A first jury could not reach a verdict on the allegation involving Pc Marsden. A retrial was held, but a second jury also failed to reach a verdict. The court determined that any further retrial would be highly exceptional and not in the public interest.

“Following a protracted trial, the jury has been unable to deliver a verdict. Whilst disappointed that the prosecution case was not fully endorsed, we respect the findings of the court and accept the outcome of the jury’s thoughtful deliberations." — Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM, Greater Manchester Police Greater Manchester Police said it was disappointed that a verdict was not reached but accepted the court’s decision. An Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into the officers’ use of force remains ongoing after new evidence emerged in October 2025. The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the case and concluded that further proceedings were not warranted.”