The jury in the trial of two brothers accused of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport has been sent out to consider its verdicts. The case centres on a violent confrontation that occurred at Terminal 2 arrivals on July 23 last year.
Police Constables Zachary Marsden, Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook approached Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, at a ticket machine following reports that a male matching his description had headbutted a customer at Starbucks cafe. The officers were responding to the earlier incident when the alleged assault took place.
Brothers claim self-defence
Amaaz allegedly resisted arrest, prompting his brother Muhammad Amaad, 26, to intervene in what prosecutors described as a "high level of violence" against the Greater Manchester Police officers. The Crown presented CCTV footage showing the extent of the alleged attacks.
According to prosecutors, Amaaz threw 10 punches during the confrontation, including one to PC Ward's face that knocked her to the floor. Amaad is said to have aimed six punches at firearms officer PC Marsden during the incident.
Viral footage sparks controversy
The prosecution alleges Amaaz also kicked PC Marsden and twice struck firearms officer PC Cook with his elbow. He is said to have punched PC Marsden from behind before PC Cook discharged her Taser device.
Mobile phone footage showing PC Marsden kicking and stamping on Amaaz as he lay on the floor was later shared on social media and went viral. The footage sparked widespread public debate about police conduct and use of force.
Defence argues unlawful force
Both brothers, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, told Liverpool Crown Court they acted in lawful self-defence. Giving evidence, Amaaz said he feared the "lunatic" male officer would "batter him to death", whilst Amaad claimed he believed he was under attack.
The defence argued the officers used "unlawful force" by grabbing Amaaz from behind without properly announcing themselves. They maintained their clients' actions were justified given the circumstances.
Multiple charges faced
Amaaz faces charges of assaulting PC Marsden and PC Ward, causing them actual bodily harm, as well as assault of emergency worker PC Cook. He is also accused of the earlier assault by beating of Abdulkareem Ismaeil at the Starbucks cafe, for which he also claims self-defence.
Amaad is charged with assaulting PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. The jury has been sent home and will resume deliberations on Tuesday from 10.30am.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
