Two brothers from Rochdale, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, will not face a third trial for allegedly assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport in July 2024, after prosecutors failed to provide evidence. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue a retrial following two hung juries at Liverpool Crown Court.
The incident, which was captured on video, showed PC Zachary Marsden kicking one of the brothers while he was on the ground. The footage sparked widespread online criticism and allegations of racial discrimination and police brutality. Marsden was suspended but later reinstated after the CPS announced in December 2024 that no officer would face charges.
At the initial trial, Amaaz was convicted of three counts of assault, including assaults on two other officers, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook. Ward suffered a broken nose during the altercation. Amaad was found not guilty at the same trial. Both brothers denied assaulting Marsden, claiming they acted in lawful self-defence after their mother, Shameem Akhtar, was verbally abused.
During the retrial, Judge Flewitt referred comments made by Nigel Farage to the Attorney General, Richard Hermer, as potentially contempt of court. Farage had criticised the initial verdict, saying there was a “reluctance to prosecute those violent thugs in Manchester airport.” However, no contempt proceedings were issued.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues its investigation into the incident. Marsden maintained he used reasonable force and did not intend to stamp on or kick Amaaz, but was trying to prevent him from grabbing his radio wire.
