Manchester Airport Attack Retrial - Day 22: Jury Deliberating

MANCHESTER AIRPORT ATTACK RETRIAL: BROTHERS BACK IN COURT

We are live at the retrial of two men accused of assault and violent disorder following a widely publicised incident at Manchester Airport has commenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

The trial of two brothers accused of a "high-intensity" assault on an armed officer at Manchester Airport enters its next phase today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad maad, 26, face a jury in Court 41 following the now-infamous confrontation in the Terminal 2 car park on July 23, 2024. The Rochdale pair stand accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) against PC Zachary Marsden.

Read more: Manchester Airport Assault Trial: Week Three Summary

The prosecution alleges that the brothers launched in a sustained attack on the officer after a prior dispute in the terminal's arrivals area. While the defence maintains the men were acting in self-defence, the Crown argues the level of violence used was both unlawful and extreme.

Presided over by HHJ Neil Flewitt KC, the proceedings are scheduled to run for four to five weeks as the jury unpicks the chaotic minutes that led to an officer being hospitalized and several others injured.

THE TRIAL: KEY POINTS SO FAR

🔴 THE CHARGES: Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad both deny one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) against PC Zachary Marsden.

Read more: Manchester Airport Assaut Retrial: Week Two Summary

🔴 "HIGH LEVEL OF VIOLENCE": Lead prosecutor Paul Greaney KC told the court the brothers engaged in a "fracas" with armed police, alleging that Amaaz delivered multiple blows and kicks within a 30-second window.

🔴 PRIOR CONVICTIONS: The jury has been informed of "agreed facts," including that Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was convicted last year of assaulting a passenger (Abdulkareem Ismaeil) and two female officers (PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook) during the same incident.

🔴 THE DEFENCE POSITION: Counsel for the brothers argue their clients were reacting to threats and were acting in lawful self-defence or the defence of each other.

🔴 VIDEO EVIDENCE: The case relies heavily on CCTV and police body-worn video. Jurors have already seen footage of a "headbutt" in a Starbucks cafe which the prosecution claims triggered the entire police intervention.

Read more: Manchester Airport Attack Retrial: Week One Recap

At a previous trial, Mr Amaaz was convicted of assaulting Abdulkareem Ismaeil in Starbucks, and of assaulting two female police officers, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, the court has heard.

The defendants, both of Tarnside Close, Rochdale, deny the charge. The trial into the incident, which happened on July 23, 2024, is scheduled to last five

LIVE REPORTING BY: Jason King

Edited by: James Hornung

🔴 WEEK 1: LIVE REPORTING HERE ⬇️

WEEK ONE REPORTING:

🔴 WEEK 2: LIVE REPORTING HERE ⬇️

WEEK TWO REPORTING:

🔴 WEEK 3: LIVE REPORTING HERE ⬇️

WEEK THREE REPORTING

Our reporter is in court - follow his updates on our live feed below ⬇️

🔴 LIVE: DAY 22 - 15 MAY 2026 - JURY STILL DELIBERATING

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

11:15

🔴 DELIBERATIONS ONGOING STILL, AS WE ENTER DAY 22 AS JURY CONTINUES TO WEIGH EVIDENCE

The "Gods of Guilt" have resumed their discussions at Liverpool Crown Court to determine the final outcome of the retrial. Jurors are continuing to scrutinize the body-worn and CCTV evidence from Manchester Airport before returning a verdict on the Crown's allegations

We will ket you know the very minute we here

Stay Tuned ...

🔴 LIVE: DAY 21 - 14 MAY 2026 - JURY STILL DELIBERATING

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

We will let you know the verdict the second we here,

Stay tuned ...

🔴 LIVE: DAY 20 - 13 MAY 2026 - JURY STILL DELIBERATING

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

Jurors have retired to consider their verdicts in the trial of two brothers accused of assaulting an armed police officer during a high-profile incident at Manchester Airport.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and his elder sibling, Muhammad Amaad, 26, both of Tarnside Close, Rochdale, deny a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The jury of eight women and four men at Liverpool Crown Court began their deliberations yesterday afternoon as the trial entered its fifth week of evidence.

The proceedings relate to an altercation on 23 July 2024 at a terminal two pay station involving the defendants and PC Zachary Marsden.

PC Marsden is alleged to have suffered post-concussion syndrome, characterized by severe headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, and physical swelling, as a result of the encounter.

The court heard that police were initially summoned to the airport following a disagreement between the defendants' mother and another passenger on a flight from Qatar.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was previously convicted at a separate trial of assaulting that passenger in a Starbucks branch and two female police officers.

One of those officers, PC Lydia Ward, sustained a fractured nose and significant bleeding during the earlier phase of the disturbance.

Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC submitted to the jury that the evidence proves the force used by the brothers against PC Marsden was offensive rather than defensive.

The prosecution argued that the case is not complicated and urged the jurors to focus on the legality of the defendants' actions at the time of the contact.

In contrast, the defence maintained that the officers involved were out of control and that the brothers acted instinctively to protect themselves.

Imran Khan KC, representing Mr Amaaz, alleged that PC Marsden acted unlawfully by kicking the defendant in the face and stamping on his head while he was on the ground.

The defence counsel described the officer as a rotten apple whose conduct violated established policing codes of practice and training protocols.

Chloe Gardner, for Muhammad Amaad, told the court her client had acted defensively within a matter of seconds, believing his actions were necessary in the circumstances.

In his legal directions, Judge Neil Flewitt KC advised the jury that any force used by officers after the alleged assault could not be used as a legal justification for the brothers' initial conduct.

The judge clarified that while subsequent events do not provide a defence, they remain relevant to the jury’s broader assessment of the credibility and conduct of the police.

The jurors were informed that they are under no pressure of time and must strive to reach a unanimous verdict based on the evidence presented in the criminal proceedings.

The court had previously heard that the brothers had attended the airport specifically to collect their mother following her return to the United Kingdom.

The trial has featured extensive CCTV and body-worn camera footage of the struggle which formed the basis of the closing arguments from both legal teams.

Deliberations are continuing this morning as the jury considers the specific intent and level of force applied by each defendant during the fracas.

The final disposal of the case remains pending the jury's determination on the single remaining indictment against the siblings.

🔴 LIVE: DAY 19 - 12 MAY 2026 -

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

Judge Flewitt KC has delivered his final remarks & sent the jury for deliberations “under no pressure of time”.

Stay tuned, we will bring you the verdicts for Mohammed Amaaz & Muhammad Amaad as soon as they are announced ⬇️

🔴 LIVE: DAY 18 - 11 MAY 2026 -

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE CASE NOW CONCLUDED

The final defence closing speech has now finished. Judge Neil Flewitt KC will next deliver his final legal directions & summary of the evidence before jurors retire to consider their verdicts ⬇️

🔴 “PLEASE DON’T FALL FOR IT”

She tells jurors PC Marsden believes he can “do what he wants, when he wants and how he wants”, urging them: “Please don’t fall for it” ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE: OFFICER ABANDONED PROCEDURE

Ms Gardner alleges the officer “threw away the rule book, police ethics, procedure, protocol & the law” before entering the pay station ⬇️

🔴 “HE DOES NOT HAVE AN OFF SWITCH”

Continuing her criticism of PC Marsden, Ms Gardner says: “Whether there’s a perceived threat or not. He does not have an off switch” ⬇️

🔴 “SHEER LUCK” NO ONE WAS KILLED

Ms Gardner says: “It’s sheer luck that the kick to Fahir’s head didn’t kill him”, adding it was also “sheer luck” the Taser was not discharged into Mr Amaad’s face ⬇️

🔴 CLAIMS FEAR OF BEING SHOT

Jurors are reminded of Mr Amaad’s evidence that he feared he could be shot by the armed officer during the confrontation ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE: ACTIONS TAKEN “IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT”

Ms Gardner tells the jury Mr Amaad acted to defend his brother without “the luxury of time or hindsight” ⬇️

🔴 “MISSION IN PROGRESS, ELIMINATE TARGET”

The defence barrister makes claims of PC Marsden’s alleged mindset, telling the jury: “The red mist had descended. Mission in progress, eliminate target” ⬇️

🔴 ATTEMPT TO “DEESCALATE”

Ms Gardner says Mr Amaad repeatedly shouted “easy, easy, easy” & “no, no, no” in an attempt to calm the situation ⬇️

🔴 “VIOLENT… AGGRESSIVE… OUT OF CONTROL”

She tells jurors in the Manchester Airport brawl retrial that the officer’s behaviour was “violent”, “aggressive” & “out of control” ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE CRITICISES OFFICER’S USE OF FORCE

Referring to the pay station incident, Ms Gardner says: “PC Marsden wasn’t going into sniper alley. He was going into a car park pay station” ⬇️

🔴 “HE DID WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS NECESSARY”

Ms Gardner, defence counsel for Mr. Amaad, says of her client: “We say he did what he genuinely believed was necessary at the time” ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE: EVENTS UNFOLDED IN SECONDS

The defence counsel tells the jury Mr Amaad reacted “instinctively” & “defensively” during what she describes as a rapidly unfolding confrontation ⬇️

🔴 “LIKE WATCHING A MOVIE WITH THE SOUND OFF”

Ms Gardner says the footage risks misleading viewers, telling jurors: “In reality it is a little bit like watching a movie with the sound off” ⬇️

🔴 JURY HEARS FINAL DEFENCE SPEECH

Addressing jurors, Ms Gardner argues that CCTV footage shown throughout the trial should be treated with caution ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE CLAIMS OFFICER “THREW AWAY THE RULE BOOK”

Defence barrister Chloe Gardner KC accuses armed officer PC Zachary Marsden of abandoning police procedure and acting outside the law during the Manchester Airport incident ⬇️

🔴 WELCOME TO OUR LIVE COVERAGE FROM LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT

Good morning from Court 41. We are expecting the final defence closing speech in the Manchester Airport retrial today, followed by Judge Neil Flewitt KC’s summing up before jurors are sent out to begin deliberations ⬇️

🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT RETRIAL: DAY 18

Welcome to our live reporting from Liverpool Crown Court as the Manchester Airport retrial enters its 18th day, with the jury expected to be sent for deliberations.

Tap link 🔗 to read more ⬇️ https://www.vpnews.co.uk/manchester-airport-attack-retrial-liverpool-april-2026

🔴 LIVE: DAY 17 - 7 MAY 2026 -

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

🔴 TRIAL NEARING CONCLUSION

As the trial enters its final stage, the jury will soon be asked to reach their verdicts Thanks for following, stay with us for further live reporting of the Manchester Airport assault retrial ⬇️

🔴 MONDAY: MUHAMMAD AMAAD’S DEFENCE

When court resumes on Monday, Ms Chloe Gardner, defence counsel for older brother Muhammad Amaad, will deli onver her final address. Proceedings begin at 10:00 AM ⬇️

🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED

Closing speeches for the prosecution & Mr Amaaz’s defense are now complete. The trial has been adjourned for the weekend ⬇️

🔴 DEFENCE SUMMARY OF INTENT

Mr Khan concluded that the jury must view the officer’s entire conduct to understand the defendants' state of mind, arguing Amaaz & Amaad reacted to an out-of-control situation ⬇️

🔴 THE "RED MIST"

The defense claimed a "red mist" had fallen on the officer. Mr Khan described the subsequent behavior as "despicable" & alleged the officer lied to "justify the unjustifiable" ⬇️

🔴"KEYSTONE COPS" CHAOS ALLEGED

Mr Khan KC characterised the police response as "confusion, chaos & Keystone Cops." He alleged PC Marsden acted with "no regard for the law" & did "whatever the hell he wanted" ⬇️

🔴 "UNLAWFUL" FORCE CLAIMED

Mr Amaaz’s barrister argued that PC Marsden "assaulted" Mr Amaaz by kicking and stamping on him. He maintained this force was neither "necessary, reasonable, nor proportionate" ⬇️

🔴 FAILURE TO ASSESS RISK

In closing arguments, the defence alleged PC Marsden failed to form a plan or properly assess threat levels. Mr Khan argued these failures triggered the "chaos" at the terminal pay station ⬇️

🔴 DEFENSE: THE "ROTTEN APPLE" ARGUMENT

Defense counsel Imran Khan KC, representing Mr Amaaz, described PC Marsden as a "bad apple, a rotten apple" who acted contrary to his training. He alleged the officer’s conduct was "unlawful" & led directly to this trial ⬇️

🔴 PC MARSDEN’S INJURIES

The prosecution detailed PC Marsden’s injuries: "post-concussion syndrome," three days of severe headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, & physical bruising/swelling ⬇️

🔴 PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS NOTED

The jury was reminded Mr Amaaz was previously convicted of assaulting a man in Starbucks & two female officers—one of whom suffered a broken nose—during the later pay station incident ⬇️

🔴 PROSECUTION ACCUSES BROTHERS OF LYING

The Crown alleged both brothers lied under oath. Mr Greaney claimed Mr Amaaz lied to "obscure" the truth & is "trying to get away with" an offense he committed ⬇️

🔴 "DETACHED FROM REALITY"

The prosecution labeled the defendants' claim that they feared being murdered by PC Marsden as "detached from reality," calling it an exaggeration intended to justify their behavior ⬇️

🔴 “CONFECTED" DEFENSE ALLEGED

Mr Greaney dismissed claims that officers were "out of control from start to finish" as "glib and confected." He argued this narrative was "staged" to divert attention from the brothers' actions ⬇️

🔴 THE KICK "SEPARATE" FROM ASSAULT

Addressing the footage of PC Marsden kicking Mr Amaaz, the Crown argued this happened after the defendants’ violence. Legally, they claim it does not provide a defense for the initial struggle ⬇️

🔴 PROSECUTION: "THE REAL ISSUE"

Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC began his closing remarks by urging jurors to "stand firm" against distractions. He stated the central issue is whether the defendants' force was "offensive" or "defensive" ⬇️

🔴 RELEVANCE TO "OUT OF CONTROL" CLAIMS

The Judge added that later events are not entirely irrelevant. Jurors may consider them if they support the defense theory that officers were "out of control" during the wider confrontation ⬇️

🔴 JUDGE’S LEGAL DIRECTIONS

Before closing arguments, Judge Neil Flewitt KC issued legal directions. He instructed the jury that any actions taken by police after the alleged assault—specifically the kick to Mr Amaaz’s head—cannot justify the brothers' earlier use of force ⬇️

🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT TRIAL: DAY 17 UPDATES

After Wednesday’s closed session, the trial of brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz & Muhammad Amaad continued today at Liverpool Crown Court with closing arguments. Both deny assaulting PC Zachary Marsden ⬇️

🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT ATTACK RETRIAL: DAY 17

Good morning and welcome back to our live coverage from Liverpool Crown Court.

🔴 LIVE: DAY 16 - 6 MAY 2026 - MORNING AM

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

🔴 LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE TOMORROW

We will be covering the local elections tomorrow instead of our usual court coverage, so tune in for that. We will be back on Friday morning for the judge's directions and potential jury deliberations. See you Friday morning ⬇️

12:05

🔴 "REST OF THE DAY" FOR LEGAL DIRECTIONS

Addressing the jurors upon their return to court, Judge Flewitt said: "I think it's going to take us the rest of the day to sort out these legal directions." The judge and counsel will continue these discussions in the jury's absence ⬇️

12:03

🔴 DIRECTIONS AND DELIBERATIONS TO FOLLOW

When the trial resumes on Friday, the judge is expected to provide his formal legal directions to the jury. Following these directions, the panel may be sent out to begin their deliberations to reach a verdict in the case ⬇️

12:01

🔴 MR GREANEY UNABLE TO ATTEND TOMORROW

Judge Flewitt informed the jury that Mr Greaney is not able to attend court tomorrow. As a result, the trial will not sit on Thursday, allowing the legal teams and the court to prepare for the final stages of the trial on Friday ⬇️

11:59

🔴 JURY BROUGHT BACK FOR TIMETABLE UPDATE

The jury was brought back into court 41 to receive an update on the trial's progress. After legal discussions held this morning, the court has now clarified the timetable for the closing stages of the prosecution and defence cases ⬇️

11:57

🔴 LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE TOMORROW

We will be covering the local elections tomorrow instead of our usual court coverage, so tune in for that. We will be back on Friday morning for the judge's directions and potential jury deliberations. See you Friday morning ⬇️

11:42

🔴 JUDGE ADDRESSES LEGAL TIMINGS

Judge Flewitt noted he was uncertain how long the legal discussions regarding jury directions would take. The lawyers and the judge remain in court to refine the legal framework for the remainder of the trial ⬇️

11:41

🔴 AMAAD DEFENCE CASE CONCLUDES

Defence barrister Chloe Gardner has officially closed the case for Muhammad Amaad. This follows the completion of the defendant's evidence and the reading of several personal character references to the jury ⬇️

11:40

🔴 COLLEAGUE AND FAMILY BACK DEFENDANT

A former KFC colleague described Mr Amaad as "amazing to work for," while the defendant's sister provided a statement calling him a "devoted and loving uncle." The references highlighted his personal conduct and reliability ⬇️

11:39

🔴 CHARACTER REFERENCES READ TO JURY

The court heard from close friends Zubar Hussain and Mohammed Javid. They described Mr Amaad as "reliable," "kind," "dependable," and "hospitable" during their friendships spanning more than a decade ⬇️

11:38

🔴 ALLEGATIONS OF FABRICATION DENIED

Muhammad Amaad rejected a claim by prosecutor Adam Birkby that he "made up" his self-defence account after the airport incident. "No, that's false," the defendant told the jury during cross-examination ⬇️

11:37

🔴 FOLLOWED LEGAL ADVICE IN INTERVIEW

The defendant explained he remained silent during his police interview on legal advice. He told the jury he had never been in that situation before and felt he had to listen to his solicitor's professional guidance ⬇️

11:36

🔴 PROSECUTION CHALLENGES SILENCE

Prosecutor Adam Birkby questioned why Mr Amaad did not mention acting in self-defence during his initial police interview. The Crown alleged the defendant had not yet invented the account at that stage ⬇️

11:25

🔴 PUNCHES NOT THROWN OUT OF ANGER

The defendant denied that the six punches delivered to PC Marsden’s head represented a "total loss of control." He disagreed with the allegation that the strikes were motivated by anger and aggression rather than self-defence ⬇️

11:22

🔴 FORCE WAS REASONABLE SAYS AMAAD

Muhammad Amaad rejected the prosecution's claim that his use of force was unreasonable. He maintained his position under questioning during his second day of cross-examination at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️

11:20

🔴 DEFENSIVE USE OF FORCE CLAIMED

Mr Amaad told jurors his actions, including grabbing PC Marsden’s tactical vest and pushing him onto chairs, were "all defensive." He denied the prosecution's categorisation of the force as offensive and unlawful ⬇️

11:18

🔴 PUNCHES TO OFFICER UNDER SCRUTINY

Prosecutor Adam Birkby listed the defendant's physical actions at the pay station, including six punches to the officer's head. The Crown alleges this specific use of force was offensive and not defensive in nature ⬇️

11:15

🔴 REJECTED TASER THREAT AS MOTIVATION

The defendant denied putting his hands on his head simply because he "didn't want to be Tasered again." He told the jury the Crown’s suggestion that he was reacting purely to the Taser threat was incorrect ⬇️

11:13

🔴 SAW FIREARM WHILE GOING DOWN

Mr Amaad told the jury he saw the firearm on PC Marsden’s hip as he was "going down" during the struggle. He maintained this sighting was the reason he placed his hands on his head at that moment ⬇️

11:11

🔴 OFFICER DID NOT DRAW GLOCK

The defendant agreed that PC Marsden did not draw his Glock firearm or threaten to shoot anyone during the incident on July 23. He accepted that the weapon remained in its tactical holster throughout ⬇️

11:08

🔴 "I DON'T WANT TO DIE" FEAR RECALLED

Mr Amaad confirmed his earlier evidence that he thought "I don't want to die today" after seeing the officer's firearm. The prosecution is now questioning the defendant on his physical reaction to seeing the weapon ⬇️

11:06

🔴 MUM TRIED TO PULL DEFENDANT AWAY

After watching CCTV footage, Mr Amaad accepted that his mother was trying to pull him away from PC Marsden during the struggle. He agreed with the prosecution's observation of the movements shown in court ⬇️

11:04

🔴 CCTV REVEALS MOTHER'S INTERVENTION

The jury was shown footage of the defendant's mother intervening during the physical altercation at the pay station. Mr Amaad told the court he now accepts she was attempting to remove him from the physical confrontation ⬇️

11:01

🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION ON PAY STATION EVENTS

Junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby is now focusing his questions on the defendant's conduct inside the airport pay station. The inquiry centres on the physical intervention that occurred prior to the arrests ⬇️

10:59

🔴 MUHAMMAD AMAAD BACK IN WITNESS BOX

The second defendant has returned to the witness box to continue his evidence. He is facing further cross-examination from the prosecution regarding his actions during the police confrontation at Manchester Airport ⬇️

10:57

🔴 THE TRIAL HAS RESUMED

Good morning from court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court where the Manchester Airport Attack retrial on day 16, is once again underway,

The cross-examination of Mr Amaad by Junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby is about to continue.

🔴 LIVE: DAY 15 - 5 MAY 2026 - AFTERNOON PM

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

16:25

🔴 DENIED PUMMELLING POLICE OFFICER

Mr Amaad denied that he was "simply pummelling" PC Marsden while the officer was allegedly in a position where he was unable to defend himself. He maintained his actions were defensive ⬇️

16:22

🔴 INTENT TO DISENGAGE CLAIMED

The defendant rejected the prosecution's allegation that he was not trying to disengage from the struggle with PC Marsden. He insisted his intent was to stop the situation ⬇️

16:18

🔴 SIXTH PUNCH WAS DEFENSIVE

Mr Amaad denied trying to cause "as much damage as possible" to PC Marsden with his sixth punch. He told jurors he was just defending himself at that time during the confrontation ⬇️

16:15

🔴 PUNCHES MAINTAINED AS DEFENSIVE

The defendant insisted that the punches he delivered to PC Marsden were "defensive" in nature. He maintained this position under questioning from prosecution counsel Adam Birkby ⬇️

16:12

🔴 OFFICER POSED THREAT TO DEFENDANT

Mr Amaad disagreed with the suggestion that PC Marsden "didn't pose any threat" when the defendant threw the first punch. He stated he perceived a danger that required a physical response ⬇️

16:08

🔴 FORCE OF PUNCH UNKNOWN

Asked if his punch was forceful, Mr Amaad said he could not tell because he had never had to use force against anyone before. Jurors have been told the defendant punched the officer's head ⬇️

16:05

🔴 PUNCH NOT DELIBERATE SAYS AMAAD

The defendant stated that a punch to the officer's head was not deliberate, claiming his eyes were closed at the time. He told the court he was being hit and had no time to think ⬇️

16:01

🔴 ADMITTED PUSHING OFFICER BACKWARDS

Mr Amaad accepted that he was pushing PC Marsden backwards during the struggle. However, he denied the prosecutor's suggestion that he simply wanted to prevent his brother's arrest ⬇️

15:58

🔴 CHOKING CLAIM NOT INVENTED

The defendant denied that his belief that his brother was being choked was something "invented" to justify his intervention. He maintained he perceived his brother was in danger ⬇️

15:54

🔴 EXPECTED CHANCE TO EXPLAIN

Mr Amaad denied knowing officers intended to arrest his brother at the pay station. He told jurors he expected an opportunity to explain what had occurred during the Starbucks fight ⬇️

15:50

🔴 BROTHER A PERSON OF INTEREST

The defendant accepted he knew there was a "good chance" his brother would be of interest to police after the Starbucks incident. He denied, however, that he knew an arrest was imminent ⬇️

15:47

🔴 PREVIOUS JURY VERDICT DISPUTED

Mr Amaad told the court the jury last year was "wrong" to find his brother's use of force against two officers was unlawful. He maintains all his own actions were within the law ⬇️

15:43

🔴 PAY STATION EVENTS UNDER SCRUTINY

The trial has resumed with prosecutor Adam Birkby questioning Muhammad Amaad about the events at the car park pay station. The defendant maintains he acted lawfully throughout the incident ⬇️

15:11

🔴 DEFENDANT DENIES LYING TO JURY

"No, that's wrong," Muhammad Amaad told the court after prosecutor Adam Birkby alleged he had "lied to this jury." The prosecution claimed the defendant's testimony was a fabrication intended to support the account previously given by his brother, Mr Amaaz ⬇️

15:09

🔴 REJECTS AGGRESSION ALLEGATION

Mr Amaad denied a suggestion from the prosecution that his brother was "angry and aggressive" throughout the duration of the incident. He maintained that the characterisation of Mr Amaaz as the primary aggressor from start to finish was incorrect ⬇️

15:07

🔴 PROSECUTION: BROTHER WAS AGGRESSOR

Prosecutor Adam Birkby suggested to the defendant that his brother was the one who was "angry and aggressive" from start to finish. This allegation was put to Muhammad Amaad as the cross-examination focused on the conduct of the two brothers ⬇️

14:54

🔴 HEADBUTT NOT FORCEFUL SAYS DEFENDANT

Asked if the headbutt delivered by his brother was forceful, Mr Amaad told the jury: "I wouldn't say it was forceful, no." He rejected claims that the strike was born out of anger ⬇️

14:51

🔴 JURY SHOWN HEADBUTT FOOTAGE

The court has been shown footage of the moment Mr Amaaz headbutted Mr Ismaeil. The prosecution alleges the assault occurred because the passenger would not admit to racial abuse ⬇️

14:48

🔴 ALLEGATION: STRIKE BORN OF ANGER

Mr Birkby alleged that Mr Amaaz headbutted the passenger out of anger. Mr Amaad denied this, rejecting the suggestion that his brother acted because Mr Ismaeil would not admit to abuse ⬇️

14:45

🔴 NO ANGER OVER DENIED ABUSE

Mr Amaad told jurors it did not "anger and annoy" him that Mr Ismaeil denied racially abusing his mother. He claimed the confrontation remained focused on obtaining an admission ⬇️

14:42

🔴 STARBUCKS STAFF CONTRADICT DEFENDANT

Adam Birkby noted two Starbucks employees concluded Mr Ismaeil was "calm" while Mr Amaaz was "angry." Mr Amaad said he could not offer an explanation for their observations ⬇️

14:39

🔴 MAINTAINS BROTHER WAS CALM

Mr Amaad maintained that his brother was "calm and polite" during the Starbucks interaction. He denied prosecution claims that Mr Amaaz was "angry and aggressive" ⬇️

14:37

🔴 ISMAEIL WAS EFFECTIVELY CORNERED

Mr Amaad accepted that, looking back, Mr Ismaeil was "effectively cornered" by the two brothers. However, he insisted that cornering the passenger was never his intention ⬇️

14:34

🔴 WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE

The defendant accepted he was within "touching distance" of Mr Ismaeil during the confrontation. He told the court he had not anticipated getting into an argument or a fight ⬇️

14:31

🔴 DID NOT ANTICIPATE A FIGHT

Mr Amaad told the court he did not expect the interaction to escalate. He claimed he simply wanted to talk to the man and did not anticipate a physical confrontation ⬇️

14:28

🔴 ACCEPTED COULD HAVE CALLED POLICE

The defendant accepted he could have contacted the police instead of confronting Mr Ismaeil. He told the court his only goal at the time was to speak with the passenger directly ⬇️

14:25

🔴 CLAIM MUM WAS RACIALLY ABUSED

Mr Amaad claimed Mr Ismaeil subjected his mother to racial abuse on "multiple occasions." He also alleged the man "whacked" his hand luggage into his mother's leg ⬇️

14:22

🔴 DENIED ANGER OVER ALLEGED INCIDENT

Mr Amaad denied being "angry" toward Mr Ismaeil following the alleged abuse. "I was just confused, shocked and confused as to why he would do it," he told the jury ⬇️

14:19

🔴 PREVIOUS JURY WAS WRONG

Mr Amaad told the court he believes the jury in a previous trial were "wrong" to conclude his brother's use of force was unlawful. He maintains Mr Amaaz was the victim ⬇️

14:16

🔴 ISMAEIL CALLED THE AGGRESSOR

Mr Amaad agreed it is his case that Mr Ismaeil was the aggressor during the Starbucks incident. He maintains his brother, Mr Amaaz, was the victim in that interaction ⬇️

14:13

🔴 ACCEPTS PREVIOUS CONVICTION

The defendant told the court he accepts that a jury last year convicted his brother of assaulting Mr Ismaeil. However, he continues to dispute the lawfulness of that force ⬇️

14:11

🔴 ADAM BIRKBY KC BEGINS QUESTIONS

Junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby has started his cross-examination of the second defendant. The questioning follows the completion of Mr Amaad's initial evidence ⬇️

14:09

🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER LUNCH

Good afternoon from Liverpool Crown Court. The trial has resumed following the lunch break, with Muhammad Amaad returning to the witness box to face cross-examination ⬇️

14:54

🔴 HEADBUTT NOT FORCEFUL SAYS DEFENDANT

Asked if the headbutt delivered by his brother was forceful, Mr Amaad told the jury: "I wouldn't say it was forceful, no." He rejected claims that the strike was born out of anger ⬇️

14:51

🔴 JURY SHOWN HEADBUTT FOOTAGE

The court has been shown footage of the moment Mr Amaaz headbutted Mr Ismaeil. The prosecution alleges the assault occurred because the passenger would not admit to racial abuse ⬇️

14:48

🔴 ALLEGATION: STRIKE BORN OF ANGER

Mr Birkby alleged that Mr Amaaz headbutted the passenger out of anger. Mr Amaad denied this, rejecting the suggestion that his brother acted because Mr Ismaeil would not admit to abuse ⬇️

14:45

🔴 NO ANGER OVER DENIED ABUSE

Mr Amaad told jurors it did not "anger and annoy" him that Mr Ismaeil denied racially abusing his mother. He claimed the confrontation remained focused on obtaining an admission ⬇️

14:42

🔴 STARBUCKS STAFF CONTRADICT DEFENDANT

Adam Birkby noted two Starbucks employees concluded Mr Ismaeil was "calm" while Mr Amaaz was "angry." Mr Amaad said he could not offer an explanation for their observations ⬇️

14:39

🔴 MAINTAINS BROTHER WAS CALM

Mr Amaad maintained that his brother was "calm and polite" during the Starbucks interaction. He denied prosecution claims that Mr Amaaz was "angry and aggressive" ⬇️

14:37

🔴 ISMAEIL WAS EFFECTIVELY CORNERED

Mr Amaad accepted that, looking back, Mr Ismaeil was "effectively cornered" by the two brothers. However, he insisted that cornering the passenger was never his intention ⬇️

14:34

🔴 WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE

The defendant accepted he was within "touching distance" of Mr Ismaeil during the confrontation. He told the court he had not anticipated getting into an argument or a fight ⬇️

14:31

🔴 DID NOT ANTICIPATE A FIGHT

Mr Amaad told the court he did not expect the interaction to escalate. He claimed he simply wanted to talk to the man and did not anticipate a physical confrontation ⬇️

14:28

🔴 ACCEPTED COULD HAVE CALLED POLICE

The defendant accepted he could have contacted the police instead of confronting Mr Ismaeil. He told the court his only goal at the time was to speak with the passenger directly ⬇️

14:25

🔴 CLAIM MUM WAS RACIALLY ABUSED

Mr Amaad claimed Mr Ismaeil subjected his mother to racial abuse on "multiple occasions." He also alleged the man "whacked" his hand luggage into his mother's leg ⬇️

14:22

🔴 DENIED ANGER OVER ALLEGED INCIDENT

Mr Amaad denied being "angry" toward Mr Ismaeil following the alleged abuse. "I was just confused, shocked and confused as to why he would do it," he told the jury ⬇️

14:19

🔴 PREVIOUS JURY WAS WRONG

Mr Amaad told the court he believes the jury in a previous trial were "wrong" to conclude his brother's use of force was unlawful. He maintains Mr Amaaz was the victim ⬇️

14:16

🔴 ISMAEIL CALLED THE AGGRESSOR

Mr Amaad agreed it is his case that Mr Ismaeil was the aggressor during the Starbucks incident. He maintains his brother, Mr Amaaz, was the victim in that interaction ⬇️

14:13

🔴 ACCEPTS PREVIOUS CONVICTION

The defendant told the court he accepts that a jury last year convicted his brother of assaulting Mr Ismaeil. However, he continues to dispute the lawfulness of that force ⬇️

14:11

🔴 ADAM BIRKBY KC BEGINS QUESTIONS

Junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby has started his cross-examination of the second defendant. The questioning follows the completion of Mr Amaad's initial evidence ⬇️

14:09

🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER LUNCH

Good afternoon from Liverpool Crown Court. The trial has resumed following the lunch break, with Muhammad Amaad returning to the witness box to face cross-examination ⬇️

🔴 LIVE: DAY 15 - 5 MAY 2026 - MORNING AM

LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️

12:45

🔴 DEFENDANT HAS NO PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS

Muhammad Amaad told the jury he has no previous convictions or cautions. The court heard he had never been inside a police station prior to his arrival following the incident at Manchester Airport ⬇️

12:43

🔴 LEGAL ADVICE TO REMAIN SILENT

Mr Amaad confirmed he spoke with a duty solicitor at the station and was advised not to answer questions during his police interview. He told jurors he followed this professional advice ⬇️

12:41

🔴 DEFENDANT SCARED AT POLICE STATION

Answering questions on his state of mind, Mr Amaad said: “I’ve never been in that situation before in my life, I was scared.” He arrived at the police station at 9.45pm that evening ⬇️

12:39

🔴 FORCE USED DESCRIBED AS REASONABLE

The defendant told the jury he believed the force he used during the incident was "reasonable." He maintained he stopped as soon as he felt he no longer had to defend himself or his brother ⬇️

12:37

🔴 CCTV SHOWS KNEE ON NECK

Jurors have been shown a still from CCTV footage depicting an officer with their knee on Mr Amaad's neck. The defendant told the court: "I just couldn't breathe properly" ⬇️

12:34

🔴 STRUGGLING TO TAKE A BREATH

Mr Amaad claimed he felt "huge pressure" on the back of his neck while being held. He told the jury this pressure resulted in him struggling to take a breath during the struggle ⬇️

12:32

🔴 ALLEGED THREATS FROM POLICE OFFICER

The defendant alleged that PC Flanagan told him: "If you move I will smash your f***** face." He claimed this occurred while he was being held on the ground by officers ⬇️

12:30

🔴 HEAVY BLOW TO BACK OF HEAD

Mr Amaad told the court he felt a "heavy blow" to the back of his head during the confrontation. He said he did not know who was responsible for the strike at the time it occurred ⬇️

12:28

🔴 DELIBERATE KICK TO STOMACH AREA

The defendant claimed PC Marsden kicked him in the "stomach and leg" area. He described it as a "pretty strong kick" and alleged that the officer's actions were deliberate ⬇️

12:26

🔴 FULLY COMPLYING ON THE GROUND

Mr Amaad denied trying to obstruct PC Marsden, stating he was on his knees with his hands on his head. He told jurors: "I was fully complying at that point" ⬇️

12:23

🔴 SHOCK AT BROTHER’S CONDITION

The defendant described his shock at seeing his brother, Mr Amaaz, on the floor. He told the jury his brother was not moving and he could not describe the level of concern he felt ⬇️

12:21

🔴 MOTHER SEEN WITH BLEEDING FACE

Mr Amaad told jurors his mother showed him blood coming from her face. He said he did not see her being hit with a Taser but wanted to prevent her from being struck any further ⬇️

12:19

🔴 NEPHEW SEEN CRYING AT SCENE

The court heard Mr Amaad’s nephew was crying during the incident at the pay station. The defendant claimed he just wanted his mother and young relatives away from the situation ⬇️

12:17

🔴 OFFICER FOOT RAISED OVER BROTHER

Mr Amaad described seeing an officer’s foot being "raised and go down" while his brother was on the floor. He claimed Mr Amaaz’s body appeared "stiff" after falling to the ground ⬇️

12:14

🔴 FEARED HE WOULD BE SHOT

The defendant told the court he feared he might be shot after seeing PC Marsden’s gun. He told jurors: "I just thought 'I don't want to die today, I don't want to get shot'" ⬇️

12:12

🔴 HANDS PLACED ON HEAD

After seeing the firearm, Mr Amaad said he raised his arms and put his hands on his head. He claimed he feared what might come next after being punched and Tasered ⬇️

12:10

🔴 LEGS WENT WEAK AFTER TASER

Mr Amaad told the jury his legs went weak after being hit by a Taser. He identified a specific point in CCTV footage where he believes the Taser was fired at him ⬇️

12:08

🔴 DENIES TOUCHING POLICE TASER

The defendant insisted he did not touch PC Marsden’s Taser at any stage, though he noted he may have touched the officer's hand while pushing away ⬇️

12:06

🔴 PUSHED AWAY AFTER SEEING WEAPON

Mr Amaad said he put his hands out to "push away" after seeing something raised towards him. He told the court he had never seen a Taser in person before that day ⬇️

12:03

🔴 BACKED OFF WHEN PUSHING STOPPED

The defendant told his barrister he "backed off straight away" as soon as he felt the pushing and pulling stop. He claimed he did what was necessary to end the situation ⬇️

12:01

🔴 DENIES HOLDING POLICE BODY ARMOUR

Under questioning, Mr Amaad denied holding onto any of the officer's body armour. He maintained his eyes were closed for much of the physical struggle ⬇️

11:59

🔴 DEFENDED SELF AGAINST ATTACK

Asked why he "hit out" at PC Marsden, Mr Amaad said: "I was defending myself at that point." He claimed he had been hit multiple times and felt he had to protect himself ⬇️

11:57

🔴 PULLED AND PUSHED FROM ALL DIRECTIONS

The defendant described being "pulled and pushed from all directions" with his eyes closed. He told jurors he remembered being moved forward during the struggle ⬇️

11:54

🔴 CLAIMED TO BE STRUCK FIVE TIMES

Defence barrister Chloe Gardner claimed her client had been struck five times during the incident. Mr Amaad told the jury he did not have time to think while being hit ⬇️

11:52

🔴 UNABLE TO THINK DURING STRUGGLE

Mr Amaad told the jury that the incident occurred too quickly for him to process. He stated: "It was happening so quick, I didn't really have time to think" ⬇️

11:50

🔴 EYES CLOSED DURING PHYSICAL ALTERCATION

The defendant claimed his eyes were closed as he felt multiple blows. He told jurors he was simply reacting to being hit during the fast-moving confrontation ⬇️

11:47

🔴 DEFENCE CASE CONTINUES FOR AMAAD

Muhammad Amaad is continuing to give evidence regarding the pay station incident. He has described the "pushing and pulling" he felt as police officers intervened ⬇️

11:21

🔴 MULTIPLE BLOWS TO THE FACE

The defendant described feeling a "bang bang bang" a couple of times after his eyes closed. He claimed the physical intervention from the officer left him dazed and unaware of what was happening during the altercation ⬇️

11:18

🔴 DAZED BY POLICE ELBOW STRIKE

Mr Amaad claimed he suffered a "massive smash" to the face from PC Marsden’s elbow. He told jurors he was dazed by the impact and had no idea why he had been struck while his eyes were closed ⬇️

11:15

🔴 DENIED TAMPERING WITH POLICE WEAPON

The defendant denied "moving a Glock forward" or pushing up against PC Marsden. He told the jury he was unaware the officer even had a weapon on his person during the struggle at the pay station ⬇️

11:12

🔴 BROTHER UNABLE TO DEFEND SELF

Under questioning from his barrister, Mr Amaad stated he felt his brother was under attack and unable to defend himself. He denied intending to interfere with an arrest, as no mention of an arrest had been made ⬇️

11:09

🔴 BREATHING ENDANGERED BY NECK GRAB

The court heard Mr Amaad believed PC Marsden was "endangering his brother's ability to breathe" by grabbing his neck. He claimed the officer had one hand on the back and one on the front of Mr Amaaz’s neck ⬇️

11:06

🔴 REPEATED CALLS TO TAKE IT EASY

Mr Amaad told jurors he said the word "easy" five times to the officer. He claimed he was attempting to de-escalate the situation because he thought his brother was being choked by PC Marsden ⬇️

11:03

🔴 OFFICER CONDUCT LABELED OFFENSIVE

The defendant claimed PC Marsden took hold of his brother in a "very aggressive" and "offensive" way. He stated his attempts to speak to the officer had no effect on the level of force being used ⬇️

11:00

🔴 TAKEN ABACK BY SUDDEN GRAB

Mr Amaad described being "taken aback" when PC Marsden and PC Ward grabbed his brother. He told the court his initial reaction was "woah" as the intervention began at the car park pay station ⬇️

10:57

🔴 NO IDENTIFICATION AS POLICE

The defendant told the jury that no one at the pay station identified themselves as police officers. He claimed he did not initially connect the intervention with the earlier incident at Starbucks ⬇️

10:54

🔴 WALLET LEFT IN CAR AT AIRPORT

Mr Amaad explained that he had left his wallet in his vehicle and asked his brother to pay using a phone. He claimed his brother was focused on the machine and did not see the officers arriving ⬇️

10:51

🔴 PRIORITY WAS PROTECTING VULNERABLE FAMILY

The defendant stated he wanted to get his mother, younger brother, and nephew away from the situation. He told jurors the group began walking toward the car park pay station following the Starbucks dispute ⬇️

10:48

🔴 THREATS AT THE STARBUCKS COUNTER

Mr Amaad claimed he saw the passenger's comments as a threat when he allegedly said "five minutes, five minutes." He told the court he believed his brother headbutted the man because he was "in his face" ⬇️

10:45

🔴 AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR FROM PASSENGER

The defendant alleged Mr Ismaeil became "agitated and angry," raising his voice and moving back and forth. He claimed the passenger told his brother, "I'll smash you" and "I'll kill you" ⬇️

10:42

🔴 FIRED DUE TO MEDIA COVERAGE

Mr Amaad claimed he was dismissed from his role as a case manager for Virgin Media in February 2025. He told jurors the company stated the decision was due to the media attention surrounding this case ⬇️

10:39

🔴 WORKED IN VIRGIN MEDIA MANAGEMENT

The court heard Mr Amaad worked as a case manager until early 2025 and had previously served as an assistant manager at KFC for several years. He is 26 and engaged to a student nurse ⬇️

10:36

🔴 FAILED ENTRANCE EXAM FOR POLICE

The defendant revealed he had previously applied to join the police force but failed at the second stage of the process. He told the jury this occurred before his subsequent career in management ⬇️

10:33

🔴 PREVIOUS STOPS DID NOT COLOR VIEW

Mr Amaad described two previous experiences with police involving vehicle searches in Rochdale and Darlington. He told jurors these incidents had not "colored" his general view of the police ⬇️

10:30

🔴 SECOND DEFENDANT GIVES EVIDENCE

Muhammad Amaad has been called to the witness box to give evidence in his defense. He is currently being questioned by his barrister, Chloe Gardner, at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️

10:27

🔴 TRIAL RESUMES IN LIVERPOOL

Good Morning we are back live in Liverpool Crown Court for 15 day of ​the Manchester Airport attack retrial, the retrial has resumed for the morning session. The jury has been seated and the defense is beginning to present evidence from the second defendant ⬇️