A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of two brothers accused of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport. The case centres on a disturbance at Terminal 2 on July 23 last year that was widely shared online.
Jurors were selected at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday before being sent home until Thursday afternoon. The prosecution is expected to outline its case when proceedings resume.
Legal issues delay start
Judge Neil Flewitt KC told jurors that legal matters needed to be resolved before the trial could begin properly. He explained that these issues would be dealt with this afternoon and tomorrow morning.
"When you return tomorrow afternoon, the leading counsel for the prosecution will open the case and tell you what it's all about," Judge Flewitt said. The trial is scheduled to last up to four weeks.
Brothers face multiple charges
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is alleged to have assaulted Pc Zachary Marsden and Pc Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of assaulting emergency worker Pc Ellie Cook at the terminal's car park pay station.
Amaaz faces an additional charge of assaulting Abdulkareem Ismaeil, a member of the public, at a nearby Starbucks cafe. Muhammad Amaad, 26, also from Rochdale, is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.
Judge warns against research
Both brothers deny all allegations against them. Judge Flewitt reminded the jury not to look on the internet for information about the case or carry out their own research.
He emphasised it was of "the utmost importance" that they do not allow themselves to be influenced by news reports or social media comments. "Your task will be to assess the evidence that is presented to you over the next few days and weeks, and then applying the law to reach verdicts based on that evidence," the judge said.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
