Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, on trial with his brother, acknowledged his initial violence towards police officers at Manchester Airport in July 2024 but maintains he acted in self-defence. He also believes an armed officer, PC Zachary Marsden, attempted to ‘murder’ him and his brother.

Incident at Manchester Airport

The incident began when Amaaz headbutted a passenger at a pay station, prompting the intervention of PC Marsden and two female colleagues. CCTV footage and body-worn cameras captured a chaotic struggle involving punches, a Taser, and a kick to the face.

Assault Allegations

Amaaz, 21, admitted in court that his initial violence could not be justified, but insists PC Marsden attempted to cause fatal harm. His brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, is also on trial. Footage presented to Liverpool Crown Court shows Amaad punching PC Marsden while Amaaz struck PCs Lydia Ward, who suffered a broken nose, and Ellie Cook.

Self-Defence Claims and Contradictions

PC Marsden then kicked Amaaz in the face while attempting to subdue him with a Taser. Both brothers claim they were acting in self-defence. During cross-examination, Amaaz conceded his punches and elbows could not be excused by the subsequent kick from PC Marsden.

He also stated he was unaware the officers were female at the time of the assaults, claiming he has ‘nothing but love and respect for women’ and attributing the situation to ‘PC Marsden’s poor decision-making’. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC challenged these claims, questioning Amaaz’s awareness of the officers’ gender and highlighting the image of him breaking PC Ward’s nose.

Escalation of Violence

Amaaz vehemently denied lying and reiterated his belief he was acting in self-preservation. He has previously been convicted of assaulting the passenger and the two female officers, but denies assaulting PC Marsden. The trial revealed that as PC Marsden deployed his Taser against Amaad, he was allegedly punched from behind by the younger brother.

Amaaz fell to the floor after being Tasered by PC Cook, followed by the kick from PC Marsden. He testified that he and his brother felt under attack and were ‘fighting for their lives’, referencing past instances of police fatalities.

Ongoing Trial

Both Amaaz and Amaad, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the charge of assaulting PC Marsden causing actual bodily harm. The case hinges on their self-defence claims and the prosecution’s argument that their actions were disproportionate and unlawful. The court is examining extensive footage to determine the sequence of events and the level of force used.