Two brothers accused of attacking an armed police officer at Manchester Airport have been accused of lying by the prosecution, while the defence described the alleged victim as a 'rotten apple'. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, both from Rochdale, are on trial at Liverpool Crown Court for assaulting PC Zachary Marsden.
The incident occurred on July 23, 2024, after the brothers had gone to the airport to pick up their mother. The court heard that the younger brother, Mr Amaaz, had earlier assaulted a man named Abdulkareem Ismaeil in a Starbucks branch following a disagreement on a flight from Pakistan. Mr Amaaz claimed his mother was racially abused by Mr Ismaeil.
Mr Amaaz has already been convicted of assaulting Mr Ismaeil and two female police officers, PC Ellie Cook and PC Lydia Ward, who suffered a broken nose. The brothers deny the single charge of assaulting PC Marsden, who allegedly suffered post-concussion syndrome including headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness.
During the altercation, PC Marsden kicked Mr Amaaz in the face and stamped on his head. Judge Neil Flewitt KC told the jury that while this could not justify the brothers' use of force, it might be relevant if the officers were 'out of control'. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC said the brothers used 'offensive, not defensive' force and accused them of lying to avoid conviction.
Defence barrister Imran Khan KC argued that police officers had a duty to act lawfully, describing PC Marsden as a 'rotten apple'. The trial continues, with closing speeches from Mr Amaad's barrister expected next week.
