Man who punched female police officers at Manchester Airport jailed

Man who punched female police officers – Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, a 21-year-old from Rochdale, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for assaulting two female police officers and a Starbucks customer at Manchester Airport. The incident, which took place in July 2024, occurred when Amaaz resisted arrest after headbutting a man in a Starbucks café. The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was convicted of attacking PC Lydia Ward, PC Ellie Cook, and the Starbucks customer. The sentencing followed a delayed trial due to additional charges against Amaaz for assaulting PC Zachary Marsden, a male officer. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on those charges and ultimately cleared him of that offense.

CCTV Footage Sparks Public Reaction

The altercation, captured on camera outside Terminal 2, became a focal point of public debate after a short clip circulated online. The footage initially showed PC Zachary Marsden appearing to kick Amaaz while he was on the ground, prompting protests against the police. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating Marsden, though the watchdog has not provided further details. Later, additional CCTV footage was leaked to the media, revealing the sequence of events leading to Amaaz’s arrest. This included the moment he struck Ward and Cook, sending them to the ground with significant force.

“What you did was cowardly,” said Ward, whose nose was broken during the attack. The statement was delivered to the court, highlighting the severity of the incident and the emotional toll it took on the officer.

Impact on Officers and Their Careers

Ward, who has since been promoted to sergeant, testified about the trauma of the event. She described the attack as a deliberate act, emphasizing the physical and emotional consequences. “You see a female,” she said. “A female who is 5ft2 and at the time of the incident I weighed no more than eight stone.” The officer noted how the assault left her with excruciating pain and ongoing physical discomfort, including shooting pains in her jaw and frequent headaches. Similarly, PC Ellie Cook’s statement, read by prosecutor Paul Greaney KC, revealed that the incident forced her to resign from her role as a firearms officer. “Everyone knew who we were,” she said. “I had to move out of my home, a place where I felt safe and secure. For what? For doing my job?”

Public Outcry and Judicial Decision

The case has drawn widespread attention, with public sentiment initially swayed by the viral footage. However, the delayed trial allowed for a more comprehensive examination of the events. Judge Neil Flewitt KC described Amaaz as the “aggressor” and noted that both assaults were “prolonged and unprovoked.” The judicial decision to acquit him of the charge against PC Marsden came after the jury failed to reach a consensus, despite the contentious nature of the evidence. This outcome has sparked discussions about the balance between accountability and public perception in police-related incidents.

“Our officers were responding quickly to precisely the sort of outrageous criminal behaviour that rightly offends the public,” said Sir Stephen Watson, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP). He added that the force would fully cooperate with the IOPC investigation, underscoring the importance of transparency in such cases.

While the CPS decided not to pursue a third trial against Amaaz and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, the brothers were formally acquitted of the remaining charges. They had argued that their actions were a form of lawful self-defense or defense of each other during the confrontation. The acquittal marks the end of legal proceedings in this case, but the incident continues to resonate within the community and among law enforcement professionals. Sir Stephen Watson highlighted the regularity of police assaults, stating that 35 officers are attacked “every week” in the region. He emphasized that such events “can never be justified,” regardless of the circumstances.

The aftermath of the incident also saw a shift in the status of PC Zachary Marsden, who was suspended from all duties. With the CPS confirming no criminal charges would be brought against any police officers, GMP lifted his suspension. This decision reflects the ongoing investigation into the events and the need to evaluate the actions of all parties involved. Meanwhile, the public’s reaction to the footage has prompted broader conversations about police conduct and the role of media in shaping perceptions of justice.

Amaaz’s conviction has brought a sense of closure to the case, though the broader implications remain under scrutiny. The incident underscores the tensions that can arise in public spaces when law enforcement faces resistance, and the emotional impact on officers who are targeted. As the IOPC continues its investigation, the community awaits further insights into the events that led to Amaaz’s sentencing. The case also serves as a reminder of the challenges police officers encounter daily, from physical confrontations to online criticism that can influence public opinion.

The trial concluded with Amaaz’s sentence, but the story of the Manchester Airport altercation is far from over. The viral footage and the subsequent public discourse have highlighted the importance of capturing the full context of incidents, as well as the need for swift and fair resolutions. As the CPS and GMP work to address the fallout, the case remains a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about police accountability, public safety, and the personal sacrifices made by officers in the line of duty.

For more stories from Greater Manchester, follow the BBC Manchester team on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also submit your own story ideas via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230. The case of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and his brother Muhammad Amaad continues to be a focal point for discussions on justice, police conduct, and the role of public scrutiny in shaping legal outcomes.