Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for violently assaulting two female police officers during a disturbance at Manchester Airport in July 2024. The attack, which involved 10 punches, two elbow strikes, and one kick, left the officers with lasting physical and emotional trauma.
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred on July 23, 2024, in the Terminal 2 car park paystation area. Three Greater Manchester Police officers had responded to reports that a man matching Amaaz's description had headbutted a member of the public at a Starbucks cafe in the airport. Upon arrival, Amaaz resisted being taken outside, and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, intervened, with the Crown alleging both used a high level of violence.
Mobile phone footage of the incident, widely shared online, initially sparked protests as it showed a young Asian male being kicked in the face by a male police officer. However, later-released CCTV footage revealed that prior to that, Amaaz had thrown multiple punches at the officers.
Impact on the Victims
During the sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on June 26, 2026, PC Lydia Ward read a victim impact statement, saying: "I look at myself now and I can see the difference in my face compared to how it was before this happened. You did that to me. You changed my face. This is something that really upsets me. Again, I'll ask you; did I deserve this?" She described being off work for a month and canceling a planned holiday, adding: "For a long time, I felt like everyone was looking at me... You used me as a punch bag, but I will get back up and I will show you how strong I am."
PC Ellie Cook, an armed officer, also read a statement, revealing she had decided to give up her role as a firearms officer due to the attack. She said: "It pains me to say this, but because of what you have done to me I have decided to give up being a firearms officer. I just can't face it at the minute. This means my dream of becoming a close protection officer is on hold." She added that her mother had become a nervous wreck, losing weight and unable to sleep.
Legal Outcome and Brother's Case
Amaaz was found guilty of assaulting both officers. His brother, Muhammad Amaad, was also charged with assaulting PC Zachary Marsden, but juries at two trials failed to reach a verdict. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue a third trial. Both brothers had claimed they acted in lawful self-defence or defence of each other.
