Two brothers accused of assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport in 2024 will not face a third trial after prosecutors failed to provide evidence. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, were charged with assaulting PC Zachary Marsden during an incident in July 2024 that was captured on video.
The footage appeared to show one of the brothers on the ground being kicked in the face by Marsden, sparking online criticism and allegations of racial discrimination and police brutality. Two separate juries at Liverpool Crown Court were unable to reach verdicts on whether the brothers had assaulted Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. After the second jury failed to decide following nearly 20 hours of deliberation, Judge Flewitt directed that not guilty verdicts be recorded.
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC said a third trial would only be pursued in 'exceptional circumstances' and, while the case attracted significant public interest, it could not be described as one of 'extreme gravity'. Amaaz, who was convicted at the first trial of three counts of assault on other officers, appeared via video link from prison. Amaad, who was found not guilty at the same trial, sat in court.
It emerged that before the retrial, Judge Flewitt had referred comments made by Nigel Farage to the Attorney General as 'potentially a contempt of court' after the Reform UK leader criticised the initial verdict. Farage had said there was a 'reluctance to prosecute those violent thugs in Manchester airport'. Flewitt later stated that Farage's intervention, 'however unwelcome, would not adversely affect the fairness of the trial'. The Attorney General's Office confirmed no contempt proceedings were issued.
The altercation began when one of the brothers headbutted and punched a man who they said had verbally abused their mother. After police arrived, Amaaz became aggressive and allegedly assaulted three officers, including breaking PC Ward's nose. The brothers maintained they acted in lawful self-defence. PC Marsden, who was suspended after the incident, said he used reasonable force and did not intend to kick Amaaz but was trying to stop him grabbing his radio wire. The Crown Prosecution Service decided no officer would face charges, and Marsden's suspension was lifted. The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues its investigation.
