A Manchester Airport trial is underway after 21-year-old Mohammed Fahir Amaaz admitted his violent attacks on police officers and a passenger were unjustified. The incident in July 2024 involved Amaaz headbutting a passenger and assaulting two female officers before being Tasered by police, including armed officer PC Zachary Marsden.
Violent Airport Confrontation
Amaaz was seen punching PC Lydia Ward, who suffered a broken nose, and PC Ellie Cook during the chaotic arrest. The defendant acknowledged the violence was unlawful but claimed he acted in self-defence, believing PC Marsden intended to murder him and his brother Muhammad Amaad.
Police Use Of Force Debate
Footage played in court showed PC Marsden kicking Amaaz in the face after being punched repeatedly. Amaaz accepted his violent reactions could not be justified as a response to the police actions, stating during cross-examination, “Yes I agree” when challenged on this point.
Denial Of Knowing Officers’ Gender
Despite evidence showing he struck female officers Ward and Cook, Amaaz denied recognising they were women, insisting “it’s all happening in a matter of seconds”. He maintained he holds “nothing but love and respect for women”.
Brothers On Trial For Assault
Amaaz and his 26-year-old brother, Amaad, both from Rochdale, are also standing trial accused of causing actual bodily harm to PC Marsden. They deny the charges, insisting they acted purely in self-defence during the July incident.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The trial continues as the court examines the complex confrontation involving police use of force, violent resistance, and claims of self-defence at a busy Manchester Airport pay station.
