A man on trial for assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport has admitted his initial violence but maintains he acted in self-defence, alleging the officer attempted to murder him and his brother.

Incident at Manchester Airport

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, acknowledged in court that his initial violence towards police officers at Manchester Airport in July 2024 could not be justified. However, he maintains his belief that PC Zachary Marsden attempted to ‘murder’ him and his brother.

Chaotic Confrontation

CCTV footage shows a chaotic scene involving grappling, punches, and ultimately, PC Marsden kicking Amaaz in the face while he was being Tasered. The incident unfolded at a pay station after Amaaz allegedly headbutted a passenger.

Charges and Prosecution Evidence

Amaaz and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, are currently on trial accused of causing actual bodily harm to PC Marsden. The prosecution presented CCTV and body-worn camera footage detailing the escalating confrontation.

Initial Altercation

The footage allegedly shows Amaad initiating the physical altercation by punching PC Marsden. Amaaz subsequently punched two female officers, PCs Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook, with PC Ward sustaining a broken nose.

Amaaz’s Defence

Amaaz claimed he was unaware that PCs Ward and Cook were female, stating he has ‘nothing but love and respect for women’ and that the events unfolded too quickly to discern their gender. He insisted his actions were a reaction to the perceived threat from PC Marsden.

Prosecution’s Argument

Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC challenged Amaaz’s claims, arguing that the violence he used could not be justified by the subsequent kick from PC Marsden, as it occurred afterward. Amaaz conceded this point but maintained that the kick demonstrated PC Marsden’s lack of control.

Self-Defence Claim

Both brothers assert they were acting in self-defence. Amaaz testified that he and his brother felt they were under attack and were ‘fighting for their lives.’ He continues to believe PC Marsden intended to kill them, referencing past instances of police officers using fatal force.

Ongoing Trial

Despite previous convictions for assaulting the passenger and the female officers, Amaaz maintains his innocence regarding the assault on PC Marsden. The trial at Liverpool Crown Court continues, with the jury tasked with determining whether the brothers’ actions were justified self-defence or unlawful assault.