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Two men accused of assaulting a police officer during an altercation at Manchester Airport will not undergo a second retrial, after two juries failed to reach verdicts in their initial trials. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed it would not pursue further hearings for Muhammad Amaad, 26, and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21. Both defendants had denied charges of assaulting Greater Manchester Police Constable Zachary Marsden near Terminal 2’s car park on 23 July 2024.
Although Amaaz was previously found guilty of assaulting two female officers, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, as well as a Starbucks customer during the same event, the CPS has decided against requesting another trial after legal advisors cited the rarity of third trials, except under exceptional circumstances. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC highlighted the principle that a third trial would only be considered in extraordinary situations. Judge Neil Flewitt KC directed the court to record verdicts of not guilty for Amaad and Amaaz following this decision.
The disturbance reportedly arose after police approached the two brothers following an earlier incident at a Starbucks in the airport. Viral mobile phone footage showing an officer kicking a young Asian man in the face sparked protests, while later-released CCTV footage depicted punches being thrown towards the officers before the confrontation escalated. The officers responded after reports indicated a man matching Amaaz’s description had headbutted a member of the public. The prosecution described the brothers as having used “a high level of violence” during the incident.
Both men argue they acted in self-defence or to defend each other. Amaaz claimed he feared for his life when Pc Marsden pushed his head towards the ground and said he responded after seeing his brother being attacked. Meanwhile, Amaad testified that he tried to de-escalate the situation but struck Pc Marsden when he believed Amaaz could not protect himself. An ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining the Greater Manchester Police’s use of force during the incident. The IOPC has stated the inquiry is at an advanced stage, with new evidence received in October 2025 prompting further lines of inquiry before any conclusions can be drawn.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson acknowledged the court’s decision with disappointment but expressed respect for the outcome. He emphasized the importance of supporting officers who put themselves at risk to protect the public and assured full cooperation with the IOPC investigation. Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the brothers spoke of the impact trials and social media scrutiny have had on their lives, asserting, “Their lives have been wrecked,” and warning that “This is not over.” Amaaz remains in custody, having been convicted of three assaults related to the events at Manchester Airport
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