A dramatic court case unfolded as a man accused of assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport claimed he acted in self-defence, believing the officer was armed and posed a lethal threat.
The defendant, whose identity remains protected, allegedly resisted arrest with such force that the officer sustained severe injuries, including a fractured eye socket and multiple bruises. The violent confrontation occurred during a routine security check, escalating into what prosecutors described as an "unprovoked and brutal attack."
The Defendant's Shocking Claim
In a surprising twist, the accused told the court he mistook the officer for an armed assailant. "I genuinely feared for my life," he stated, adding that the chaotic environment of the airport amplified his panic.
However, prosecutors dismissed this explanation, presenting CCTV footage that allegedly shows the defendant launching the attack without provocation. "This was not self-defence—it was a deliberate assault on a public servant," argued the Crown Prosecution Service.
Officer's Harrowing Injuries
The injured officer, who required hospital treatment, described the incident as one of the most violent encounters of his career. "I was simply doing my job when he suddenly turned on me," he testified.
Medical reports confirmed the severity of his injuries, including a fractured orbital bone and deep lacerations. Colleagues expressed outrage, calling for stricter penalties for attacks on emergency workers.
Public and Legal Reactions
The case has reignited debates over the safety of law enforcement officers and the adequacy of current laws protecting them. A spokesperson for the Police Federation stated, "This is yet another example of the dangers our officers face daily."
The trial continues, with sentencing expected next week. If convicted, the defendant could face a lengthy prison term under legislation that imposes harsher punishments for assaults on emergency workers.
