Man Accused of Airport PC Assault Claims He Feared for His Life

Man accused of airport PC assault – In a case unfolding at Liverpool Crown Court, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, has testified that he believed he was about to lose his life when a police officer pushed his head to the ground during an alleged attack at Manchester Airport. His brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, is also on trial for participating in the incident, which occurred in the car park pay station area of Terminal 2 in July 2024. Prosecutors argue that the pair used excessive force, resulting in actual bodily harm to the officer, but the defendants insist they were defending themselves against a perceived threat.

Incident at the Airport

According to the prosecution, the assault began when PC Zachary Marsden and his colleagues, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, approached Amaaz to arrest him. The arrest followed a report that he had headbutted a customer in the arrivals hall earlier that day. Amaaz and his brother, Amaad, allegedly resisted the officers and engaged in a physical altercation. The court heard that PC Marsden was targeted during the confrontation, with Amaaz claiming he was unaware of the officer’s presence until he was grabbed by the arm.

Amaaz’s barrister, Imran Khan KC, questioned him about his awareness of the police’s actions. Amaaz responded that he had no time to process what was happening, as he was immediately shoved into the machine by the officer. “I was just thinking, ‘why is this guy using so much force?’” he said, describing the moment he felt the officer’s hand over his neck. “The way he was grabbing my neck, I just felt that if this guy forces me to the ground, he is going to beat me up to the point where I cannot breathe and I will be dead.”

“I didn’t know what was going on,” Amaaz added, explaining his panic. “It’s not like these things have not happened before when a police officer abuses their powers, and as a result, people have died.”

Khan pressed further, asking whether Amaaz thought the officer would kill him. The defendant confirmed his fear, stating he believed he might become one of the casualties linked to past police incidents. “Yes, I actually thought I am going to be one of those people that day,” he said. His account includes a moment where he saw PC Cook strike his brother, prompting him to react defensively. “I remember looking over and just seeing him getting smashed in the face by two police officers,” Amaaz recalled. “I was thinking, ‘What is wrong with these people? They are punching him in the face for no reason.’”

Previous Conviction and Defense Arguments

The trial also revealed that Amaaz had been previously convicted by another jury for assaulting two female police officers. During that incident, PC Lydia Ward suffered a broken nose after being knocked down by a punch, while PC Ellie Cook was thrown over a baggage trolley. Amaaz claimed he acted in self-defense, arguing that he did not recognize the officers as women during the attack. “It was happening so fast I couldn’t process the little details,” he said, explaining his confusion.

“I turned towards my right and I struck out at the same time,” Amaaz explained. “I didn’t know where it was going. I felt like I needed to protect myself from this person.”

He further stated that he had hit PC Ward after feeling a punch to his throat, which left him “gasping” and momentarily disoriented. “I could hear loads of shouting and turned towards where it came from,” he said, emphasizing his belief that the officers were targeting him. Amaaz also described his reaction to PC Cook’s actions, claiming he had punched her until she was no longer a threat. However, he admitted that he did not realize at the time the officer was using a Taser, thinking instead that she was aiming a gun at his brother.

Escalation of the Conflict

Seconds later, PC Cook discharged her Taser at Amaaz, causing him to fall to the ground. The defendant testified that he raised and moved his head while on the floor, prompting PC Marsden to kick him in the face. Amaaz described the officer’s movement as a “stamping” motion, which he believed would crush his skull. “I could see a boot coming straight towards my face,” he said. “As soon as I felt it, everything shut down, and I was unconscious in split seconds.”

“I remember it pushing me downwards towards the floor,” Amaaz added. “I think that’s what woke me back up.”

Khan challenged Amaaz’s claim about the Taser, asking whether he had realized the officer’s weapon was not a gun. Amaaz replied that he had not, stating he had focused on his brother and the immediate threat. The defense also highlighted the chaos of the moment, suggesting that the officers had not communicated clearly with the suspects before the assault. “Why would you fear a police officer forcing your head to the ground?” Khan asked, to which Amaaz responded, “Because it’s not like these things have not happened before.”

Context and Trial Progress

The case has drawn attention to the use of force by police officers during arrests, particularly in high-stress situations. Amaaz’s testimony underscores his belief that the officers overstepped their authority, using violence to subdue him without warning. The prosecution, however, maintains that the suspects had assaulted the officer and that the use of force was justified. During the trial, the jury has been presented with conflicting accounts of the events, including the sequence of punches and the role of each officer in the altercation.

Witnesses and legal arguments have been central to the proceedings, with the defense emphasizing the suspects’ lack of awareness about the officers’ identities and the rapid pace of the attack. The trial continues, and the court has yet to determine whether Amaaz and his brother will be found guilty of the charges against them. As the case progresses, the jury will weigh the evidence and decide if the defendants’ claims of self-defense hold enough weight to absolve them of the assault.

Throughout the trial, the focus has remained on the moment of impact and the perceived danger Amaaz faced. His testimony, combined with his brother’s account of the events, provides a narrative of confusion and fear. The prosecution’s argument, meanwhile, centers on the use of “high level of violence” and the aftermath of the incident, including the injuries sustained by the officers. As the trial moves forward, the court will assess whether the force applied was excessive or necessary in the circumstances.

Additional context has been provided by the court, including details about the location and the officers involved. The car park pay station area, where the incident took place, is a high-traffic zone, and the officers had to manage a situation that escalated quickly. The defense has also pointed to the lack of communication between the police and the suspects, suggesting that the confusion led to the violence. This has sparked debate about the transparency of police actions and the potential for misunderstandings during arrests.

With the trial ongoing, the public continues to follow the case closely. The court’s decision will not only determine the fate of the accused but also shed light on broader issues of police conduct and civilian perceptions of authority. As the evidence unfolds, the jury will decide whether the claims of self-defense are credible or if the defendants’ actions were intentional and unlawful.

The case is a reminder of the tension that can arise during police encounters, especially when individuals feel threatened or disoriented. Amaaz’s testimony highlights the human element of the incident, emphasizing his fear for his life in the moments leading to the assault. As the trial concludes, the court will evaluate whether his account aligns with the evidence or if the prosecution’s version of events proves more compelling.

Media and Public Engagement

Listeners can stay updated on the trial through BBC Radio Manchester’s coverage on Sounds. The court has also encouraged public engagement via social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. For those interested in contributing to the conversation, story ideas can be shared via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230. The case has generated significant interest, with media outlets and community members analyzing the events and their implications for police interactions in public spaces.

As the trial progresses, it remains a focal point for discussions about law enforcement tactics, individual rights, and the balance between security and civilian safety. The jury’s deliberations will be critical in determining the outcome, and the testimony of Amaaz and his brother will play a pivotal role in shaping the verdict. The case will be closely watched for its potential to influence future police procedures and public trust in law enforcement.