Manchester Airport Attack Retrial - Day 15: Latest Updates & Live News
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…
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 theAmaad, 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.
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.
Read more: Airport attacker’s bail hearing postponed
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.
🔴 "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.
Read more: Manchester Airport Attack: 3 Guilty Verdicts, 2 Charges Unresolved
🔴 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.
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 weeks.
LIVE REPORTING BY: Jason King
Edited by: James Hornung
🔴 WEEK 1/2: LIVE REPORTING HERE ⬇️
🔴 WEEK 3: LIVE REPORTING HERE ⬇️
Our reporter is in court - follow his live updates on our live feed below ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 15 - 5 MAY 2026 - AFTERNOON PM REPORTING CONTINUES - CLICK HERE ⬇️
DAY 15 AFTERNOON SESSION LIVE:
LIVE: DAY 15 - 5 MAY 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNS FOR LUNCH BREAK
The trial at Liverpool Crown Court has adjourned for lunch. Proceedings are scheduled to resume at 2.05pm, following the conclusion of questioning by the defence barrister for Muhammad Amaad ⬇️
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 ⬇️
🔴 FEARED FOR SAFETY UNDER ATTACK
Mr Amaad told the court he felt under attack and did not understand why. He claimed his legs went weak during the struggle at the pay station, maintaining he had no idea why he was being struck in the face by the officer ⬇️
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 ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 14 - 1 MAY 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TUESDAY
The trial has now been adjourned until 10am on Tuesday. The jury has been dismissed for the weekend following the conclusion of the defendant's evidence at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
13:15
🔴 ACCENTS MAY HAVE BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD
In re-examination, Mr Amaaz suggested that Starbucks employees might not have understood the group's accents. He maintained that he, his brother, and Mr Ismaeil were all speaking English during the incident ⬇️
13:12
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION CONCLUDES
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has finished his questioning of the defendant. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is now being asked further questions in re-examination by his barrister, Imran Khan KC ⬇️
13:10
🔴 LEGAL ADVICE CITED FOR SILENCE
Asked why he did not give his account to police during his interview, Mr Amaaz cited legal advice and a lack of memory. He told the judge he "just wanted to get out of that place" ⬇️
13:07
🔴 DEFENDANT DENIES LYING
Mr Amaaz rejected the suggestion that he had invented a "pack of lies" regarding threats made in Starbucks. "I have got no reason to lie," he told the court during cross-examination ⬇️
13:05
🔴 OFFICER INTENTIONS CHALLENGED
The defendant alleged that PC Marsden’s intention was to "beat us to the point we can't breathe." He claimed the officer wanted to put the brothers in a vulnerable position ⬇️
13:02
🔴 KICK AND STAMP FOOTAGE SHOWN
Jurors were shown CCTV of Mr Amaaz being kicked in the face and stamped on by PC Marsden. The prosecutor argued this later force cannot justify the defendant's earlier violence ⬇️
13:00
🔴 TASER DEPLOYMENT "APPROPRIATE"
Paul Greaney KC put it to the defendant that PC Cook used her Taser appropriately because Mr Amaaz's behaviour was "offensive and unlawful." The defendant replied: "That's wrong, sir" ⬇️
12:57
🔴 OFFICER "OUT OF CONTROL" CLAIM
Mr Amaaz alleged that PC Marsden was the one who was "out of control from start to finish." He rejected the prosecution's suggestion that he was the one who had lost self-control ⬇️
12:55
🔴 YELLOW HANDGUNS DISCUSSED
The defendant told the court he had never seen anyone armed with a "bright yellow handgun" in films or TV. This followed questions about the visibility of the Taser held by officers ⬇️
12:52
🔴 "ENTIRELY OUT OF CONTROL" ALLEGATION
The prosecution alleged that Mr Amaaz was "entirely out of control" during the struggle at the pay station. The defendant denied this, blaming the conduct of the police officers involved ⬇️
12:50
🔴 DEFENDING AGAINST AN ATTACK
Mr Amaaz told the jury he did everything he could to protect himself from a person running at him with their hands up. He claimed he perceived the officer's movements as a looming attack ⬇️
12:47
🔴 OFFICER GENDER DISPUTED
The defendant denied it was "obvious" he had punched a woman in the face. He maintained that he did not register PC Cook's gender during the fast-moving physical confrontation ⬇️
12:45
🔴 CCTV OF ASSAULT SHOWN
Jurors were shown footage of the moment Mr Amaaz is said to have assaulted PC Cook. The defendant told the court he was acting to protect himself from the person running towards him ⬇️
12:43
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION RESUMES
The jury has returned to court at Liverpool Crown Court. Paul Greaney KC is continuing his cross-examination of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz regarding the events at Manchester Airport ⬇️
12:41
🔴 JURY SEATED FOR AFTERNOON SESSION
The trial has resumed with the defendant back in the witness box. The prosecution is continuing to play CCTV footage of the struggle involving police officers at the airport pay station ⬇️
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR SHORT BREAK
The jury has left the courtroom for a short adjournment. Before the break, Mr Amaaz denied prosecution suggestions that the violence he used at the airport pay station was "offensive" in nature ⬇️
11:41
🔴 DENIES VIOLENCE WAS OFFENSIVE
Under questioning, the defendant maintained that his actions were not offensive. He continues to claim that the force he used was a response to a perceived threat against himself and his brother ⬇️
11:38
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION ON WARD STRIKE
Mr Amaaz denied knowing that he was striking a woman when he hit PC Ward. The prosecution is challenging the defendant's claim that he was unaware of the officer's gender during the struggle ⬇️
11:36
🔴 FOOTAGE OF PAY STATION SHOWN
Jurors are being shown CCTV footage of the incident at the airport pay station. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC is questioning the defendant on his movements as the video plays for the court ⬇️
11:33
🔴 MAINTAINS SELF-DEFENCE CASE
Mr Amaaz agreed his case remains that every blow he struck was lawful. He told the jury that each action was taken in self-defence or in the defence of his brother, Mohammed Amaad ⬇️
11:31
🔴 ADMITS HIGH LEVEL OF VIOLENCE
When asked if he believed he used a "high level of violence" during the struggle, Mr Amaaz replied: "Yeah, sure." He maintained he was doing what he thought was reasonable to protect his brother ⬇️
11:29
🔴 REASONABLE FORCE TO PROTECT BROTHER
The defendant told the court: "To me I was doing what I thought was reasonable to protect my brother and myself." He is being cross-examined on the intensity of the violence captured on CCTV ⬇️
11:26
🔴 INITIAL CONFUSION OVER POLICE IDENTITY
Mr Amaaz agreed that he initially had "no idea" he was dealing with police officers at the pay station. He claimed he only realized their identity after the physical struggle had commenced ⬇️
11:24
🔴 FAMILY SAFETY PRIORITY CLAIMED
Asked why he didn't expect police interest, Mr Amaaz said: "No, I just wanted to get my family to safety, that was the only thing that was going through my mind" ⬇️
11:21
🔴 "SERIOUS VIOLENCE" ADMITTED BY AMAAZ
The defendant confirmed he had used a "serious level of violence" against a man in an international airport terminal. He is being questioned on why he did not expect to be a person of interest ⬇️
11:19
🔴 CHALLENGED ON LACK OF POLICE CONTACT
Paul Greaney KC suggested the defendant did not call the police because he knew he had committed a crime. Mr Amaaz replied: "No that's wrong, sir" ⬇️
11:17
🔴 RAGE ALLEGATIONS REJECTED
The prosecution suggested that Mr Amaaz acted in a "state of high rage" and lost self-control. The defendant rejected this characterization, stating: "That's wrong, sir" ⬇️
11:14
🔴 DENIES CRIME COMMITTED IN STARBUCKS
Mr Amaaz rejected the prosecution's claim that his actions in Starbucks were criminal. He maintains his interaction with the passenger earlier that day was not the reason for his later conduct ⬇️
11:12
🔴 NO REASON TO MISLEAD JURY
Responding to accusations of dishonesty, Mr Amaaz told the court: "I've got no reason to mislead this jury on a charge that I have already been convicted for" ⬇️
11:09
🔴 PROSECUTION ACCUSES DEFENDANT OF LYING
Paul Greaney KC has accused the defendant of "misleading this jury" regarding his linguistic abilities. The defendant continues to deny he is fluent in any language other than English ⬇️
11:07
🔴 DISPUTE OVER URDU FLUENCY
Mr Amaaz stated: "I am able to understand Urdu, I can speak the tiniest bit of it. But I don't speak it every single day. I'm not fluent in it" ⬇️
11:04
🔴 QUESTIONS ON FAMILY LANGUAGE
The defendant agreed he grew up in a household with parents who speak Urdu. He told the jury his brother, Mr Amaad, speaks "broken Urdu" and belongs to an older generation ⬇️
11:02
🔴 STARBUCKS WITNESS ACCOUNTS RAISED
The court heard that witnesses at Starbucks claimed to hear people speaking in a foreign language. Mr Amaaz continues to dispute this, maintaining he only used English ⬇️
11:00
🔴 CLAIM ONLY SPEAKS ENGLISH
Mr Amaaz is being asked about his claim that he only speaks English. He told the jury he can understand "the tiniest bit" of Urdu but is not able to speak it fluently ⬇️
10:57
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION OF AMAAZ RESUMES
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has resumed his questioning of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz. The focus has turned to the defendant's interactions at the Starbucks and the pay station ⬇️
10:55
🔴 PAUL GREANEY KC CONTINUES QUESTIONING
The prosecution is continuing to cross-examine the defendant. The jury is listening to evidence regarding the events leading up to the physical altercations at the airport ⬇️
10:52
🔴 SCAM CALL UNCONNECTED TO CASE
Judge Flewitt KC informed the jury that the suspicious call was "exactly that, just a scam." He confirmed it was entirely unconnected to the juror’s involvement in the trial ⬇️
10:50
🔴 POLICE ENQUIRIES INTO JUROR CALL
The court heard that police made enquiries into the call as a precaution. The investigation determined the call was a routine scam and not related to the court proceedings ⬇️
10:48
🔴 REASON FOR THURSDAY ADJOURNMENT
The judge explained that the trial did not sit yesterday afternoon so that enquiries could be made into the report. He apologized to the jury for the secrecy surrounding the delay ⬇️
10:45
🔴 JUDGE EXPLAINS SUSPICIOUS PHONE CALL
Judge Neil Flewitt KC told jurors that one of their number properly reported receiving a "suspicious phone call" on Wednesday. This report led to the unscheduled adjournment ⬇️
10:43
🔴 JUROR REPORTED SUSPICIOUS CALL
The court has been given an explanation as to why the trial unexpectedly did not sit yesterday. A juror received a call on Wednesday while the court was not in session ⬇️
10:40
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES: DAY 14
Good morning from Court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court. The jury has returned to the courtroom and the trial of the Manchester Airport incident has resumed for the day ⬇️
10:37
🔴 GOOD MORNING FROM COURT 41
The trial is resuming this morning, Friday, May 1. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is back in the witness box as the prosecution continues its cross-examination ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 13 - 30 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING
LIVE: DAY 13 - 30 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 PROCEEDINGS TO RESUME THIS AFTERNOON
Thanks for following our live reporting. The hearing will resume at 2.15pm, with evidence set to continue when the jury returns. Join us again direct from Liverpool Crown Court ⚖️ ⬇️
13:12
🔴 TRIAL BREAKS FOR LUNCH
The trial has now adjourned for the lunch break at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
13:09
🔴 ADMITS “STRIKE” BUT DENIES REVENGE MOTIVE
Mr Amaaz says he “threw a strike”, but denies it was carried out in anger or revenge, rejecting this characterisation of his actions ⬇️
13:06
🔴 PROSECUTION SUGGESTS NO THREAT FROM MR ISMAEIL
Paul Greaney KC puts it to the defendant that Mr Ismaeil posed no threat to him at the time, a suggestion Mr Amaaz rejects ⬇️
13:03
🔴 DISPUTES LEVEL OF FORCE USED
Paul Greaney puts it to him that he used “considerable force” in the head butt. Mr Amaaz replies: “I don’t know how much force I put in. It was the first thing that came to my mind to get this person away from me” ⬇️
13:00
🔴 JURY SHOWN STARBUCKS FOOTAGE
Jurors are shown CCTV footage from the Starbucks incident. Mr Amaaz confirms for the court that he accepts it depicts him headbutting Mr Ismaeil ⬇️
12:57
🔴 AMAAZ MAINTAINS INNOCENCE
Mr Amaaz rejects that position, stating: “No, I still maintain my innocence” ⬇️
12:54
🔴 PREVIOUS CONVICTION STANDS
Mr. Greaney raises the previous conviction for assault: "I'm going to give you an opportunity, before we have to look at all the footage again, of just accepting the reality, you did assault that man and you were correctly convicted" ⬇️
12:51
🔴 DEFENDANT REJECTS SUGGESTION
Mr Amaaz responds: “That’s wrong” ⬇️
12:48
🔴 DISAGREEMENT OVER LANGUAGES HEARD
He tells the court: “They said we weren’t speaking in English. Every word was in English” ⬇️
12:45
🔴 QUESTIONS WITNESS FAILURE TO HEAR THREATS
Mr Amaaz says he does not understand why witnesses claim they did not hear those alleged remarks being made ⬇️
12:42
🔴 CLAIMS HE WAS THREATENED BY MR ISMAEIL
He says Mr Ismaeil shouted at him, using phrases including “I will smash you” and “I will f—ing kill you” ⬇️
12:39
🔴 AMAAZ DISPUTES STARBUCKS WITNESS ACCOUNT
Mr Amaaz tells the jury he continues to dispute evidence from two Starbucks staff who said they believed the group was speaking in a foreign language ⬇️
12:36
🔴 SAYS HE COULD HAVE CALLED POLICE BUT DID NOT
Mr Amaaz also accepts he could have contacted police, but says: “I could have, but the main reason for me to have this conversation with him was just to try & nip it in the bud & not have to get the police involved” ⬇️
12:33
🔴 ACCEPTS HE COULD HAVE WALKED AWAY
He agrees he could have avoided any confrontation altogether but chose not to take that option ⬇️
12:30
🔴 SAYS HE WANTED EXPLANATION, NOT RETRIBUTION
Asked if he intended to punish Mr Ismaeil, Mr Amaaz says “Not punish, I just wanted to know why he has done what he has done” ⬇️
12:27
🔴 PROSECUTOR SUGGESTS DEFENDANT BECAME “ENRAGED”
Mr Amaaz rejects the suggestion from the prosecution that he became enraged over what he had been told by his mother ⬇️
12:24
🔴 DEFENDANT “SHOCKED & UPSET” RATHER THAN ANGRY
Asked whether he became angry, Mr Amaaz replies: “I was just shocked & upset more than anything” ⬇️
12:21
🔴 MOTHER’S ACCOUNT OF ALLEGED ABUSE FROM PASSENGER
Mr Amaaz agrees his mother told him a man on the flight used “appalling racist language” towards her & allegedly struck her with his suitcase, hitting the back of her legs ⬇️
12:18
🔴 PROSECUTION RETURNS TO STARBUCKS INCIDENT
Paul Greaney KC turns to events inside Starbucks, site of the altercation with a passenger that led to an urgent police response ⬇️
12:15
🔴 “OFFICER WAS OUT OF CONTROL” CLAIM
Mr Amaaz clarifies his position, saying: “No, but this kick to my face just shows that he was out of control from the start to the end” ⬇️
12:12
🔴 PROSECUTION: VIOLENCE NOT A RESPONSE TO FORCE USED LATER
Mr Greaney puts it to the defendant that his earlier punches & kicks cannot have been in response to later any kick or stamp by officers ⬇️
12:09
🔴 AMAAZ SAYS HE MAINTAINS INNOCENCE
Regarding his existing convictions for assaulting PCs Ward & Cooke during the Manchester Airport incident Mr Amaaz responds: “I understand the jury’s views & of course everyone has their own views. But I still maintain my innocence” ⬇️
12:06
🔴 PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS PUT TO DEFENDANT
Referencing the 2025 trial, the prosecutor asks Mr Amaaz to confirm he was previously convicted by a jury of assaults on Mr Ismaeil, PC Cook & PC Ward ⬇️
12:03
🔴 DEFENDANT REJECTS SUGGESTION
Mr Amaaz replies: “No, that’s wrong” ⬇️
12:00
🔴 PROSECUTION ALLEGES STRATEGY TO COVER AMAAZ’S LOSS OF CONTROL
Paul Greaney KC suggests Mr Amaaz denies knowing he was striking female officers because it supports evidence that he was “out of control” during the incident ⬇️
11:57
🔴 PC MARSDEN BLAMED FOR ESCALATING
Amaaz blames the escalation into violence on: “PC Marsden's poor decision making that put these officers at risk. If he never used the force that he did, I wouldn't be stood here today” ⬇️
11:54
🔴 RESPECT FOR WOMEN
Mr Amaaz tells the jury: “I’ve got nothing but respect for women”, & says it was PC Marsden’s use of force that put female officers at risk ⬇️
11:51
🔴 AMAAZ FLATLY REJECTS CLAIM
Mr Amaaz rejects that accusation, replying: “That’s wrong” ⬇️
11:48
🔴 PROSECUTION ACCUSES DEFENDANT OF LYING
Mr Greaney then directly accuses the defendant of telling “a bare faced lie” when he said he did not know PC Ward was a woman ⬇️
11:45
🔴 “IT HAPPENED IN SECONDS”
Mr Amaaz responds that events unfolded so rapidly that he was not taking in those details, saying: “This is all happening in a matter of seconds” ⬇️
11:42
🔴 PC WARD SPECIFICALLY PUT TO HIM
Mr Greaney asks specifically about PC Ward, describing her to the jury as “slightly built” with “curly red hair” ⬇️
11:39
🔴 DEFENDANT MAINTAINS HE DID NOT KNOW
Mr Amaaz confirms that this remains his position, insisting he did not realise two of the officers involved were female ⬇️
11:36
🔴 FEMALE OFFICERS POINT RETURNED TO
The prosecutor then returns to Mr Amaaz’s account that he did not realise two of the officers he struck were women ⬇️
11:33
🔴 “THAT’S HOW IT FELT TO ME”
Mr Amaaz replies: “It has happened before, police have murdered people in public”, before adding: “In my position that day, that’s what it felt like to me” ⬇️
11:30
🔴 GREANEY KC CHALLENGES DEFENCE ACCOUNT
Paul Greaney KC presses the defendant on that claim, asking whether he has considered how unlikely it would be for a police officer to try to kill two people in full public view ⬇️
11:27
🔴 DEFENDANT STANDS BY CLAIM HE BELIEVED OFFICER INTENDED TO KILL
Under prosecution questioning, Mr Amaaz tells the jury it remains his case that PC Marsden intended to kill both him & his brother during the confrontation ⬇️
11:24
🔴 DEFENCE CASE: HE WAS THE VICTIM IN BOTH INCIDENTS
Mr Greaney asks whether it is Mr Amaaz’s position that he was the victim both in the Starbucks confrontation & later in the pay station struggle. Mr Amaaz confirms: “Yes that’s right” ⬇️
11:21
🔴 AMAAZ MAINTAINS EVERY BLOW WAS LAWFUL
Under cross-examination, Mr Amaaz agrees it remains his position that every punch and kick he delivered that day was lawful, maintaining that each action was taken in self-defence or in defence of his brother ⬇️
11:18
🔴 AMAAZ ACCEPTS HE DELIBERATELY PUNCHED & KICKED
Under questioning, Mr Amaaz accepts that he punched & kicked people during the incident and that each action was done deliberately, adding: “Yeah, just to protect myself” ⬇️
11:15
🔴 PROSECUTION CROSS-EXAMINATION BEGINS
Paul Greaney KC is now cross-examining Mohammed Fahir Amaaz & tells the jury he first wants to clarify exactly what the defendant’s case is ⬇️
11:12
🔴 “FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES” JUSTIFICATION
Asked why he acted as he did on July 23, Mr Amaaz replies: “The whole time I just felt like me & my brother were being attacked. We were doing everything we could. It felt like we were fighting for our lives” ⬇️
11:09
🔴 AMBULANCE CALLED AFTER RELEASE
He tells the court that after returning home, an ambulance was called because he “couldn’t stop puking”. Mr Khan tells the jury a subsequent CT scan found nothing of concern resulting from the incident ⬇️
11:06
🔴 “I WANTED TO GET OUT OF THERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”
Mr Amaaz said that during his time in custody, his condition worsened ⬇️
11:03
🔴 “NO COMMENT” INTERVIEW ON LEGAL ADVICE
Mr Amaaz says he answered “no comment” during interview questions following advice from his solicitor ⬇️
11:00
🔴 SPENT AROUND 17 HOURS IN CUSTODY
He tells the jury he remained at the police station for about 17 hours & had never previously been inside a police station ⬇️
10:57
🔴 COMPLAINS OF “BAD HEADACHE”
Answering defence questions on his physical & mental state at the police station following the incident, Mr Amaaz replies: “I couldn't stop shaking while I was there. I told the custody sergeant that I've got a bad headache” ⬇️
10:54
🔴 SCARED & SHAKING
Mr Amaaz is asked about his state when he was taken into custody & checked in to Cheadle Heath police station. He tells the court: “I was just scared. It was all new to me” ⬇️
10:51
🔴 CLAIMS INJURIES CAUSED BY “BOOT TO MY FACE”
Asked how he believes those injuries were caused, Mr Amaaz tells the court: “From the boot to my face” ⬇️
10:48
🔴 JURY SHOWN PHOTOGRAPHS OF AMAAZ’S INJURIES
Jurors are being shown images of injuries said to have been sustained by Mohammed Fahir Amaaz during the pay station incident ⬇️
10:45
🔴 AMAAZ RETURNS TO WITNESS BOX
Mr Amaaz is back in the witness box this morning, dressed in a black suit, white shirt and tie ⬇️
10:42
🔴 FULL LIVE UPDATES TO FOLLOW
We will be bringing you live, court-safe updates throughout the day as proceedings continue ⬇️
10:39
🔴 DEFENCE EVIDENCE CONTINUES
Defendant Mohammed Fahir Amaaz continues to give testimony, questioned by Imran Khan KC for the defence ⬇️
10:36
🔴 GOOD MORNING FROM COURT 41
Good morning from Court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court, where the Manchester Airport attack retrial has now resumed ⬇️
10:33
🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT ATTACK RETRIAL: DAY 13
Live reporting resumes from Liverpool Crown Court as Day 13 of the Manchester Airport assault retrial gets under way.
Tap link to read more ⬇️
https://www.vpnews.co.uk/manchester-airport-attack-retrial-liverpool-crown-court-april-2026 ⬇️
10:30
🔴 JURY SEATED FOR DAY 13
The jury has been brought into court and the trial of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is ready to continue at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT ATTACK RETRIAL
Liverpool Crown Court, did not sit on this case today, we will return tomorrow the 30th of Aprilwith further live coverage, stay tuned.
LIVE: DAY 12 - 28 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 JURORS DISMISSED UNTIL THURSDAY
The jury has been dismissed for the day and will not sit tomorrow, Wednesday. The trial of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Mohammed Amaad is scheduled to resume at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, April 30, at 11:00am ⬇️
16:31
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED FOR THE DAY
Proceedings have concluded for the day following the completion of the defendant's evidence-in-chief. The court has adjourned, with the cross-examination of Mr Amaaz expected to follow when the trial reconvenes ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANT DENIES GRABBING POLICE RADIO
Mr Amaaz denied prosecution suggestions that he was "going for PC Marsden’s radio" while on the ground. He also stated he was unaware his mother had her hands on his back during the struggle ⬇️
16:26
🔴 HEAD INJURIES CAUSED BY "BOOT"
The defendant attributed his head injuries to being struck by a boot while on the floor. He told the court he felt a "massive force" and denied he was attempting to get back up at that stage ⬇️
16:24
🔴 "I THOUGHT I'M DYING" - AMAAZ ON FLOOR
Describing his state after being Tasered, Mr Amaaz said he was "scared on the floor" and felt like he was dying. He claimed a boot then hit his nose, eyes, and the side of his head ⬇️
16:22
🔴 DEFENDANT RECALLS STAMP TO HEAD
Mr Amaaz told jurors he remembered a "stamp" pushing his face downwards, which he said "woke him up." He testified that he was knocked unconscious for "split seconds" during the confrontation ⬇️
16:20
🔴 "EVERYTHING BLURRED" AFTER FALLING
Following the Taser deployment, the defendant said he had "no idea what was going on." He told the court his brain felt blurred and he could only hear screaming and shouting from the floor ⬇️
16:18
🔴 TASHER PAIN DESCRIBED AS "DISGUSTING"
Mr Amaaz described the Taser's effect as the "most disgusting pain" he had ever felt, likened to everything being "sucked out" of his body. He said he was initially unaware a Taser had been used ⬇️
16:16
🔴 OFFICER PULLED DOWN AS BODY WENT STIFF
The defendant claimed that as he was Tasered, his body went stiff, causing him to naturally pull PC Marsden to the ground with him. He denied that this was a deliberate act to floor the officer ⬇️
16:15
🔴 STRUCK OFFICER TO PROTECT BROTHER'S LIFE
Mr Amaaz confirmed his case is that he acted in defence of his brother. He told his barrister he could not "stand there and do nothing" while fearing for his brother’s life ⬇️
16:14
🔴 PUNCH TO SIDE OF OFFICER'S HEAD
The court heard Mr Amaaz punched PC Marsden in the side of the head while still holding his phone. He stated his aim was to stop the man he believed was preparing to fire a weapon ⬇️
16:13
🔴 DEFENDANT THOUGHT TASER WAS A GUN
Mr Amaaz told the jury that PC Marsden’s "shooting stance" led him to believe the officer was holding a gun. He claimed he shouted "no" because he feared the officer would "kill" his brother ⬇️
16:11
🔴 STOPPED PUNCHING WHEN "THREAT" ENDED
The defendant maintained that as soon as he felt an officer was no longer a threat, he stopped striking. He told the court he stumbled as the officer he was punching fell over ⬇️
16:09
🔴 FEAR OF SAFETY PREVENTED RETREAT
Asked why he punched an officer, Mr Amaaz said it was because he thought she was going to attack him. He claimed he was fearing for his safety and felt unable to move away from the scene ⬇️
16:07
🔴 DEFENCE CASE IS SELF-DEFENCE
Under questioning from Imran Khan KC, Mr Amaaz confirmed that his case is that his actions were taken in self-defence. He stated he only struck out until the perceived threat fell over ⬇️
16:05
🔴 "PUNCHED REPEATEDLY" - VIEW OF OFFICER
Mr Amaaz told jurors it didn't occur to him that the third officer running at him was female. He claimed he struck out with his hands because her hands were up towards his face in an attacking manner ⬇️
16:04
🔴 SCRED BY MULTIPLE OFFICERS ATTACKING
The defendant described feeling scared as he realized another police officer was involved. He told the jury he kept thinking, "why are these people attacking me?" during the fast-moving incident ⬇️
16:02
🔴 "OH ST, IT'S ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER"**
Recalling the moment he saw PC Ward, Mr Amaaz said his immediate thought was that another officer was trying to attack him. He claimed the speed of the events prevented him from noticing details ⬇️
16:01
🔴 DEFENDANT CLAIMED HE WAS UNDER ATTACK
Asked by his barrister if he considered himself under attack during the struggle, Mr Amaaz replied "yeah." He maintained his actions were an "instinctive reaction" to protect himself ⬇️
15:59
🔴 STRIKE TO PROTECT SELF FROM PC WARD
Mr Amaaz told the court he struck out at PC Ward because he felt he needed to protect himself. He denied aiming for a particular area of her body, though she sustained a broken nose ⬇️
15:57
🔴 "PUNCH STRAIGHT TO MY THROAT"
The defendant claimed he felt a punch hit his throat which winded him and left him gasping. He stated he turned to his right and struck out as an instinctive reaction to this blow ⬇️
15:56
🔴 FAST PACE PREVENTED IDENTIFYING GENDER
Mr Amaaz denied registering that PC Cook was a woman at the time. He told jurors he only saw a person punching his brother and didn't notice "little details" in the heat of the moment ⬇️
15:55
🔴 "I NEEDED TO GET THIS PERSON AWAY"
Explaining his actions against PC Cook, the defendant said he saw her punching his brother in the face repeatedly. He told the court he felt a necessity to intervene to stop the assault ⬇️
15:54
🔴 ADMITTED STRIKING OUT AT PC COOK
Looking at CCTV footage, Mr Amaaz accepted that he struck out at PC Cook. He told his barrister this was because she was punching his brother during the parking station struggle ⬇️
15:53
🔴 AMAAZ CONTINUES EVIDENCE ON CCTV
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is providing commentary on CCTV images showing him "kicking out" at PC Marsden. The defendant is explaining his motivations for each physical intervention captured ⬇️
15:51
🔴 TRIAL CONTINUES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
The afternoon session continues with the defendant in the witness box. He is being systematically questioned on his physical reactions to each officer involved in the airport pay station incident ⬇️
🔴 HEARING RESUMES: AMAAZ BACK ON THE STAND
The court has reconvened at Liverpool Crown Court following the short adjournment. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz has returned to the witness box to continue providing his evidence-in-chief to the jury ⬇️
15:23
🔴 COURT ADJOURNS FOR SHORT BREAK
The trial has paused for a 15-minute afternoon break. Proceedings will resume shortly with further testimony from the defendant regarding the confrontation at the airport pay station ⬇️
🔴 KICKED OFFICER TO PROTECT BROTHER
Mr Amaaz admitted kicking out at the person he now knows to be PC Marsden. He told the jury he did so to protect his brother and stop the officers from punching him, using the only part of his body that was free ⬇️
15:20
🔴 DEFENDANT SAW BROTHER "SMASHED IN FACE"
The court heard that Mr Amaaz looked over and saw two officers "smashing" his brother in the face. He claimed they punched him "again and again" without providing any reason for the use of force ⬇️
15:19
🔴 "EASY, EASY, EASY" - BROTHER SHOUTED
While resisting the officer, Mr Amaaz said he could hear his brother shouting "Easy, easy, easy." He maintained that the police did not say anything to him or tell him he was under arrest during the struggle ⬇️
15:18
🔴 FEAR OF POLICE ABUSING POWER
Asked why he feared a police officer, Mr Amaaz referenced instances where people have died due to officers abusing their powers. He told the court he did not want to be "one of them people" ⬇️
15:17
🔴 DEFENDANT FEARED FOR HIS LIFE
Mr Amaaz told jurors he thought the officer was going to beat him to the point he couldn't breathe. "I thought this guy forces me down to the ground... I am dead," he said during his evidence ⬇️
15:16
🔴 "WHY IS THIS GUY USING SO MUCH FORCE?"
The defendant questioned the level of force used as he was grabbed by the neck. He stated he was not initially aware a third person was present and felt he was being "manhandled" ⬇️
15:15
🔴 PUSHED INTO MACHINE BY HEAD
Mr Amaaz claimed that as soon as he realized it was a police officer, he was pushed into the pay machine by his head. He described being grabbed from his right side while holding his phone ⬇️
15:14
🔴 WOULD HAVE COMPLIED IF IDENTIFIED
The defendant told the court that if he had known it was the police from the start, he would have complied. "I would have done nothing, I would have complied with them and do whatever they needed," he said ⬇️
15:13
🔴 TENSING UP WAS "NATURAL" REACTION
Mr Amaaz agreed that he tensed up when grabbed, but called it a natural response to being touched by someone he couldn't identify. He maintained that nothing was said to him by the officer ⬇️
15:12
🔴 FEAR OF THREATS MADE BY MR ISMAEIL
The defendant told the jury his first thought when grabbed was that it might be the person Mr Ismaeil had been calling on the phone. He said he did not initially know who had taken hold of his arm ⬇️
15:11
🔴 PC MARSDEN "GRABBED" DEFENDANT
CCTV stills were shown to the jury which Mr Khan KC described as the moment PC Marsden "grabbed" Mr Amaaz. The officer entered the pay station and took hold of the defendant's arm while he was with his brother ⬇️
15:10
🔴 ATTEMPTING TO ASSIST WITH PHONE PASSWORD
Mr Amaaz said he stepped in to help his brother, who was struggling to pay because he did not know the password for the defendant's phone. It was during this moment that the police intervention began ⬇️
15:09
🔴 BROTHER FORGOT WALLET AT PAY STATION
The court heard the brothers reached the pay station and realized Mr Amaad had forgotten his wallet. Mr Amaaz provided his phone to facilitate payment before the officers arrived ⬇️
15:08
🔴 STRUGGLE AT AIRPORT PAY STATION
The defendant is providing his account of the moments leading up to the physical altercation with police. He described the situation at the pay station as his brother attempted to pay for parking ⬇️
15:07
🔴 AMAAZ RE-EXAMINED ON POLICE INTERACTION
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is detailing the moment he was first approached by PC Marsden. He told the jury he was initially unaware that the person grabbing him was a police officer ⬇️
15:06
🔴 DEFENDANT TELLS JURY HE HAD NO ILL INTENT
Starting this segment of evidence, Mr Amaaz told jurors he "never had intention to cause anything" during the incident. He is currently being questioned by his barrister, Imran Khan KC ⬇️
🔴 LAST INTERACTION ON FORECOURT
The defendant told the jury that their final interaction with Mr Ismaeil occurred as they crossed the forecourt to reach the car. He claimed he wanted to get his family away from the area following the confrontation ⬇️
14:54
🔴 ISMAEIL GESTURES AT FAMILY
Mr Amaaz alleged that as they were leaving the terminal, Mr Ismaeil was "sticking his fingers up" at the family. He stated the group was already walking away toward the car park at this point ⬇️
14:53
🔴 BYSTANDER WARNINGS REPORTED
The court heard that bystanders allegedly told Mr Amaaz to "get away from that guy he is crazy" during the exit. The defendant claimed these comments were made as they headed toward the forecourt ⬇️
14:52
🔴 THREATS TO "WAIT OUTSIDE"
While walking away, Mr Amaaz claimed he saw the complainant on his phone. He alleged Mr Ismaeil was telling someone to "wait outside... five minutes," which he interpreted as a further threat ⬇️
14:51
🔴 CONTINUED SHOUTING DURING EXIT
Mr Amaaz stated that Mr Ismaeil kept shouting at the family even after they began to leave. The defendant testified that he had already retrieved his mother's suitcase to facilitate their departure ⬇️
14:50
🔴 FAMILY DEPARTURE FROM STARBUCKS
The defendant told jurors his primary concern was getting his family "out of there" after the physical exchange. He described picking up his mother’s luggage and walking away from the Starbucks area ⬇️
14:49
🔴 "GET AWAY FROM HIM"
Mr Amaaz recalled someone approaching him and saying "get away from him, he's crazy" as Mr Ismaeil moved away. The defendant stated he then began to walk away from the scene as advised ⬇️
14:48
🔴 SECOND STRIKE ATTEMPT
The jury heard that Mr Amaaz attempted to hit Mr Ismaeil a second time because he was concerned his brother, Amaad, would be attacked. He claimed the complainant was "backing off" at this stage ⬇️
14:47
🔴 DEFENDANT ADMITS HEADBUTT
Mr Amaaz confirmed he headbutted the complainant in the mouth area to "get this man away from me." He testified he also attempted to strike him with his fist to create space between them ⬇️
14:46
🔴 ALLEGATIONS OF DEATH THREATS
The defendant claimed Mr Ismaeil shouted "I'll f***ing kill you" while stepping toward him. Mr Amaaz told the court this made him feel that the "huge man" was going to attack him at any second ⬇️
14:45
🔴 FEAR OF IMMINENT ATTACK
Mr Amaaz described feeling scared as the complainant took a step toward him. He told his barrister he felt Mr Ismaeil was "closing me off" and believed he was about to be physically assaulted ⬇️
14:44
🔴 "I SMASH YOU" THREAT
The court heard allegations that Mr Ismaeil shouted "you know who I am, I smash you" during the argument. Mr Amaaz said he understood this as a direct threat while they were inches apart ⬇️
14:43
🔴 HATE CRIME REPORT CONSIDERED
If an apology was not provided, Mr Amaaz told the jury he intended to report the complainant to the police for a "hate crime." He stated an apology seemed "easier" than involving the authorities ⬇️
14:42
🔴 AMAAD QUESTIONS COMPLAINANT
The jury heard that the defendant's brother, Amaad, asked Mr Ismaeil: "If you saw a little girl round here, would you say the same thing to them?" following the claims about a child on the plane ⬇️
14:41
🔴 REQUEST TO END DISPUTE
Mr Amaaz told the court he asked for an apology one final time, saying: "We will leave you alone, that's all you have to do... please just apologise." He said he wanted to get his mother home ⬇️
14:40
🔴 "I SAID TO LITTLE GIRL"
The defendant claimed Mr Ismaeil pointed and said "oh yeah, I said to little girl on plane" in broken English. Mr Amaaz described himself as being "shocked" by this admission ⬇️
14:39
🔴 WIFE INTERVENES IN CONFRONTATION
The court heard that Mr Ismaeil's wife spoke to the defendant, allegedly stating: "he didn’t say to your mum, he said to [a] little girl on plane." Mr Amaaz said this upset and shocked him further ⬇️
14:38
🔴 COMPLAINANT DESCRIBED AS AGITATED
Mr Amaaz testified that Mr Ismaeil appeared agitated and shouted "no, no, go from here" when confronted. He told the jury the man was shouting and refused to engage in a calm conversation ⬇️
14:37
🔴 PLEA FOR UNWELL MOTHER
The defendant told jurors he pointed out his mother to the complainant, explaining she was "medically unwell." He stated he asked for an apology so that the family could "move on from it" ⬇️
14:36
🔴 RACIAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS PUT
Mr Amaaz told the jury he confronted the man with his mother's claims of being called a "P*** b***h" on the flight. He claimed Mr Ismaeil responded by saying "no, no, no, who are you?" ⬇️
14:35
🔴 "EXCUSE ME, BROTHER"
The defendant described his initial approach to Mr Ismaeil, using the term "brother" out of respect for someone older. He stated the complainant turned around and "just looked at me" ⬇️
14:34
🔴 APPROACH IN STARBUCKS
Mr Amaaz confirmed he approached Mr Ismaeil in the Starbucks area after his mother pointed him out. He admitted he wanted to know why the man had allegedly behaved that way on the flight ⬇️
14:33
🔴 NO INTENTION FOR "BUST UP"
Asked by his barrister if he intended to have a "bust up," the defendant answered "no." He maintained his mother was very upset and he only wanted to "get to the bottom of it" ⬇️
14:32
🔴 GOAL OF CONVERSATION STATED
The defendant told the court he approached the man because he "wanted to have a conversation with him." He stated he did not know his family had followed him until seeing the CCTV later ⬇️
14:31
🔴 SIZE DIFFERENCE NOT CONCERNING
Mr Amaaz told the jury he was not concerned that the complainant was bigger than him. He stated this was because he "never had intention to cause anything" when he first walked over ⬇️
14:30
🔴 APPROACHED COMPLAINANT ALONE
The defendant maintained that he initially approached Mr Ismaeil alone. He told his barrister his intention was solely to obtain an apology so the matter could be resolved immediately ⬇️
14:29
🔴 MOTHER IDENTIFIES COMPLAINANT
Mr Amaaz confirmed his mother pointed out a man, now known to be Mr Ismaeil, while they were in the terminal. The defendant accepted that he then moved toward the man in Starbucks ⬇️
14:28
🔴 EVIDENCE ON STARBUCKS INCIDENT
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is currently providing his account of the confrontation at the airport. He told the jury he hoped a conversation would lead to an apology and be "the end of it" ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RECONVENES FOR AFTERNOON SESSION
The trial has resumed at Liverpool Crown Court following the lunch break. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz has returned to the witness box to continue providing his evidence under questioning from the defense ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 12 - 28 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 LUNCH BREAK: TRIAL ADJOURNED
The trial has adjourned for the lunch recess at Liverpool Crown Court. Jurors have been dismissed for the break and are expected to return to Court 41 at 2:15pm to continue hearing evidence ⬇️
🔴 MOTHER POINTS OUT MAN IN TERMINAL
The defendant told the jury that as they were walking through the terminal, his mother spotted the man she alleged had bothered her on the flight and pointed him out to her sons ⬇️
13:06
🔴 MOTHER REPORTED RACIAL ABUSE ON FLIGHT
Mr Amaaz claimed his mother told him a man on the flight had been calling her a "P*** b***h" and "bothering her non stop" throughout the journey back to Manchester ⬇️
13:05
🔴 MOTHER CRYING IN ARRIVALS HALL
The court heard that the defendant's mother started breaking down while walking through the arrivals hall. Mr Amaaz described her as crying and upset after recounting her experience on the plane ⬇️
13:03
🔴 DEFENDANT ASKED MOTHER ABOUT JOURNEY
Mr Amaaz told the jury he asked his mother how her flight had been. He stated she was initially happy to see them, but her mood changed as she began to describe the incident on the flight ⬇️
13:02
🔴 MEETING MOTHER AT TERMINAL 2
The brothers met their mother in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2. Mr Amaaz said they had been waiting for her to land, as she was expected back in Manchester around 8:30pm ⬇️
13:01
🔴 CHECKING ARRIVALS BOARD AT AIRPORT
Upon arriving at Terminal 2, the brothers checked the arrivals board to confirm the flight had landed. They then entered the hall to wait for their mother to emerge ⬇️
13:00
🔴 DRIVING TO AIRPORT WITH AMAAD
Mr Amaaz confirmed he travelled to the airport in his brother Amaad’s car. The two brothers went together to collect their mother on the evening of July 23, 2024 ⬇️
12:58
🔴 PLANS TO COLLECT MOTHER CHANGED
The jury heard that their brother Abid was originally meant to pick up their mother. However, the plan changed, and Mr Amaaz and Amaad went to the airport instead ⬇️
12:57
🔴 DEFENDANT DENIES PRIOR PHYSICAL FIGHTS
When asked by his barrister if he had ever been involved in a physical fight before this incident, Mr Amaaz answered "no" ⬇️
12:56
🔴 ROUTINE LICENCE CHECK HISTORY
Mr Amaaz described a second police interaction where he was pulled over for a "routine check." He told the court an officer asked for his licence and he complied ⬇️
12:55
🔴 SEARCH OF CAR IN ROCHDALE
The defendant recalled a 2022 stop where he and his brother were asked to step out of their vehicle. He stated officers searched the car but provided no reason for the search ⬇️
12:53
🔴 PREVIOUS POLICE STOP IN 2022
Mr Amaaz told jurors about being pulled over while going to get food in Rochdale with his brother. He stated he had some prior involvement with the police through these vehicle stops ⬇️
12:52
🔴 DENIAL OF HOSTILITY TOWARD POLICE
During questioning from Mr Khan KC, the defendant stated he had no hostility towards the police. He confirmed he did not hold negative views of the force ⬇️
12:51
🔴 "NOTHING BUT RESPECT" FOR POLICE
Asked about his attitude toward the police, Mr Amaaz told the court he had "nothing but respect." He said this was based on family connections and general opinion ⬇️
12:50
🔴 UNCLE IS RETIRED GMP OFFICER
The defendant confirmed his uncle on his father's side is a retired officer within Greater Manchester Police. He told the jury his uncle had a "passion" for the job ⬇️
12:48
🔴 MULTIPLE COUSINS WORKING FOR GMP
Mr Amaaz told the court he has five cousins who work as police officers within Greater Manchester Police. This includes the son of his retired uncle ⬇️
12:47
🔴 RANKS OF FAMILY MEMBERS UNKNOWN
Although he has several family members in the force, Mr Amaaz told his barrister he did not know what specific ranks his cousins or uncle held during their service ⬇️
12:46
🔴 MMU APPLICATION MADE POST-INCIDENT
Following the incident, Mr Amaaz applied to study sport marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University. He was on a gap year when the events at the airport occurred ⬇️
12:44
🔴 SALFORD UNIVERSITY BACKGROUND
The defendant told the jury he previously attended the University of Salford to study sport rehabilitation. He dropped out after one month as the course was "not working" for him ⬇️
12:43
🔴 YOUNGEST OF THE SIBLINGS
Mr Amaaz confirmed to the court that he is the youngest of the siblings. He lived at home with his parents in Rochdale at the time of the incident ⬇️
12:42
🔴 SIBLINGS' OCCUPATIONS AND STATUS
The jury heard details of the defendant's sisters; one works as a paediatric nurse and the other as a support worker. His eldest brother was described as not medically fit for work ⬇️
12:41
🔴 BROTHER ABID IS GMP OFFICER
Mr Amaaz confirmed his brother, Mohammed Abid, is a police officer with Greater Manchester Police. He has served with the force for the last six years ⬇️
12:40
🔴 PARENTS' OCCUPATIONS AND HEALTH
The defendant’s father is a full-time taxi driver, while his mother stays at home as she is not medically fit to work. The family lives together in Rochdale ⬇️
12:39
🔴 DEFENDANT DETAILS FAMILY BACKGROUND
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz confirmed his name and age, stating he was 19 at the time of the incident and is now 21. He told the court he was born in Rochdale ⬇️
12:38
🔴 AMAAZ ENTERS WITNESS BOX
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz has taken the stand to give evidence. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and grey tie for his first appearance in the witness box ⬇️
12:37
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES: DEFENCE CASE BEGINS
The jury has been brought back into Court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court. The trial is continuing with the defendant, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, called to give his account of events ⬇️
🔴 BREAK - DEFENDANT TO TAKE THE STAND
The court has adjourned for a short 15-minute break. Defence counsel Imran Khan KC has confirmed that the defendant, Mr Amaaz, will be giving evidence in person as the trial continues at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION CASE CONCLUDES
The prosecution has officially closed its case. The final evidence detailed how PC Ward emailed her witness statement to colleagues Marsden and Flanagan, which was then uploaded to the police system at 2:30am following the incident ⬇️
12:05
🔴 PC WARD STATEMENT EMAILED TO COLLEAGUES
Jurors heard the technical process of how witness statements were handled. PC Ward sent her account via work email with the subject "statement" to PCs Marsden and Flanagan, who then processed the document for the official police record ⬇️
12:03
🔴 DEFENDANTS' PREVIOUS CHARACTER RECORDED
The court heard that Mr Amaad has no previous convictions. Mr Amaaz also had no prior convictions, except for those specifically arising from the assaults on Mr Ismaeil, PC Cook, and PC Ward currently being tried ⬇️
12:00
🔴 ABDULKAREEM ISMAEIL REPORTED LIP INJURY
Evidence was submitted regarding an injury report made on July 29, 2024. Abdulkareem Ismaeil reported an injury to his inside upper lip following the events at the Manchester Airport car park ⬇️
11:57
🔴 BRAIN CYST DISCOVERED DURING AMAAZ EXAM
Medical evidence revealed that hospital scans on July 25 found a cyst in Mr Amaaz's brain. The court heard this was a long-standing, undetected condition that would not have been found if he had not attended hospital for dizziness ⬇️
11:54
🔴 AMAAZ ATTENDED A&E FOR DIZZINESS
Mr Amaaz visited Royal Oldham A&E on July 25 reporting dizziness and vomiting. Doctors found no head fractures or bleeding. He had been discharged the previous day with advice to return if symptoms worsened ⬇️
11:51
🔴 DETAILS OF TASER INJURIES RECORDED
A nurse examined Mr Amaaz post-Taser, noting abrasions to his nose, nipple, and knee, as well as Taser barb sites on his back and buttock. Despite these injuries and facial redness, he was deemed fit for interview ⬇️
11:48
🔴 PC WARD SURGERY "WENT WELL"
Agreed facts confirm PC Ward underwent an operation on her nose on August 9, 2024, at Royal Preston Hospital. Medical notes indicate the procedure was successful following extensive bruising found initially ⬇️
11:45
🔴 INJURY PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWN TO JURY
The jury has seen photographs and computerised images detailing the location of PC Ward’s injuries. These were captured at 10:45pm on the night of the incident, showing bruising and a laceration to her nose ⬇️
11:42
🔴 BODY WORN FOOTAGE TRANSCRIPTS READ
Prosecutor Adam Birkby is reading transcripts of the body-worn camera footage to the jury. This evidence provides a verbal record of the interactions between the officers and the defendants during the arrest ⬇️
11:39
🔴 AGREED FACTS HANDED TO JURORS
The prosecution has begun presenting a list of agreed facts to the court. These include the precise timeline of PC Ward's medical treatment and the initial assessments of the defendants while in custody ⬇️
11:36
🔴 DS BULLIVANT CONCLUDES EVIDENCE
Detective Sergeant Bullivant has finished her testimony. In final questions, it was noted that Mr Amaad requested a phone call to his brother, a police officer, rather than a solicitor, after being told his rights ⬇️
11:33
🔴 RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS DISCUSSED
The defence for Mr Amaad questioned whether a first-time suspect would know how to exercise their rights. DS Bullivant maintained that all rights and the right to a solicitor were clearly explained before interview ⬇️
11:30
🔴 POLICE DEFEND PRESS CONFERENCE TIMING
Questioned about a press conference held by Aamer Anwar, DS Bullivant stated the police were not responsible for the event. She told the court she did not know the reasons why the family's then-lawyer held it ⬇️
11:27
🔴 CCTV SCREENSHOTS SHOWN TO DETECTIVE
Imran Khan KC, for Mr Amaaz, presented three screenshots from CCTV. These images reportedly show the defendants leaving the forecourt, entering the pay station, and a moment where Mr Amaad is held "neutrally" ⬇️
11:24
🔴 DS BULLIVANT FACES CROSS-EXAMINATION
The Detective Sergeant is being questioned by the defence regarding the investigation's conduct. Imran Khan KC is probing the officer's knowledge of family concerns raised regarding the police response ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS CHARGED BY POSTAL REQUISITION
The court heard that Mr Amaaz and Mr Amaad were formally charged on December 17, 2024. The charges were issued via postal requisition following the conclusion of the initial investigation phase ⬇️
11:15
🔴 SECOND INTERVIEW OFFERED AFTER PRESS CONFERENCE
Following a public press conference, both defendants were offered a second opportunity to be interviewed. This offer included the chance to view all CCTV footage gathered by the investigation team ⬇️
11:14
🔴 CCTV WITHELD TO ENSURE "UNTAINTED ACCOUNT"
DS Bullivant explained the decision not to show CCTV during the first interviews was intentional. She stated this was standard procedure to obtain an "untainted account" from the suspects at that stage ⬇️
11:12
🔴 AMAAZ INTERVIEW LASTED TWELVE MINUTES
Details of Mr Amaaz’s police interview were read to the jury. The session began at 12:30pm and concluded at 12:42pm, during which the defendant was questioned on the specific allegations ⬇️
11:11
🔴 DEFENDANTS RESPONDED WITH "NO COMMENT"
When asked about the defendants' responses to police questioning, DS Bullivant confirmed they both used the phrase "no comment." This applied to questions regarding the fight and the injuries to officers ⬇️
11:09
🔴 EIGHT-MINUTE INTERVIEW FOR MR AMAAD
The jury was told that Mr Amaad’s interview lasted only eight minutes. Questions included whether a headbutt occurred and who was responsible for breaking the female officer's nose ⬇️
11:08
🔴 NOTE CITED "MALES FIGHTING" AT TERMINAL 2
The pre-interview note provided to Mr Amaad stated police were called to "males fighting" in the arrivals hall. It alleged an altercation took place between two passengers and a complainant ⬇️
11:06
🔴 AMAAZ ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING OFFICER
A written copy of the pre-interview note for Mr Amaaz was handed to the jury. It outlined the brief allegations and circumstances surrounding the suspected assault for which he was being questioned ⬇️
11:05
🔴 DEFENDANTS CONFIRMED THEY UNDERSTOOD CAUTION
Both men were cautioned prior to their interviews on July 24. DS Bullivant confirmed to the court that both defendants stated they understood the legal caution before the questioning began ⬇️
11:03
🔴 MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS DEEMED PAIR FIT
Before questioning at Cheadle Heath police station, both defendants were examined by medical staff. The court heard they were both officially cleared as fit to be interviewed by the police ⬇️
11:02
🔴 LEGAL REPRESENTATION PRESENT FOR INTERVIEWS
Prosecutor Adam Birkby confirmed that both defendants had legal representation during their police interviews. The interviews took place the day after the incident, on July 24 ⬇️
11:00
🔴 DS BULLIVANT DID NOT CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
Under re-examination, the Detective Sergeant confirmed she was not the officer who physically conducted the interviews with the defendants. She is providing evidence based on the official case records ⬇️
10:58
🔴 JURY HANDED PRE-INTERVIEW NOTES
The jury has been provided with copies of the notes given to the defendants before their police questioning. These documents outline the specific allegations the men faced at the time ⬇️
10:57
🔴 RE-EXAMINATION OF DETECTIVE BEGINS
Junior prosecuting counsel Adam Birkby has commenced the re-examination of DS Bullivant. The focus has moved to the initial processing of the defendants at Cheadle Heath police station ⬇️
🔴 GOOD MORNING: LIVE REPORTING RESUMES
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Day 12 of the Manchester Airport Attack Retrial on Tuesday 28 April.
Proceedings have now resumed in Courtroom 41 of Liverpool Crown Court, where we will continue to bring you the latest factual updates as evidence is heard ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 11 - 27 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 PC WARD CONCLUDES EVIDENCE
The witness has been released from the stand following her final answers to the prosecution. PC Ward’s testimony has spanned her account of the physical struggle, her injuries, and the subsequent investigation ⬇️
15:29
🔴 OFFICER DENIES "OFFENSIVE" ACTIONS
During final questioning, PC Ward denied acting "offensively" or punching Mr Amaaz. She maintained that her actions were entirely focused on the lawful arrest of a suspect she believed to be violent ⬇️
15:26
🔴 WHATSAPP GROUP CREATED BY SERGEANT
PC Ward clarified that the WhatsApp group mentioned earlier was set up by her line manager, a police sergeant. She reiterated that the platform was used for welfare checks following the violence ⬇️
15:23
🔴 PRESENCE OF CHILD A "RISK CONSIDERATION"
Asked if knowing the suspect was with a woman and child would change her mind, PC Ward said she "still would have gone to arrest him." She noted it would simply have been another factor in the risk assessment ⬇️
15:20
🔴 PROSECUTION RE-EXAMINATION UNDERWAY
Junior prosecutor Adam Birkby is conducting a brief re-examination of PC Ward. He is focusing on the officer's decision-making process at the car park pay station and her response to the defense's claims ⬇️
15:17
🔴 NO QUESTIONS FROM SECOND DEFENCE COUNSEL
Chloe Gardner, representing the second defendant Mr Amaad, informed the court she has no questions for PC Ward. This follows the conclusion of the cross-examination by the first defendant's legal team ⬇️
15:13
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION OF PC WARD CONCLUDES
Ms Buckett has finished her questioning of the officer for the defense. The cross-examination heavily scrutinized the officer’s use of force and her recollection of the moments she sustained a broken nose ⬇️
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR AFTERNOON BREAK
The jury has left the courtroom for a short recess following the conclusion of the latest segment of CCTV analysis. Proceedings are expected to resume shortly to continue the cross-examination of PC Ward ⬇️
15:05
🔴 WHATSAPP GROUP FOR WELFARE UPDATES
PC Ward confirmed that a WhatsApp group was established between herself, PC Marsden, PC Cook, and a sergeant following the incident. She told the jury the group’s purpose was to receive updates and check on each other's welfare ⬇️
15:03
🔴 PC STANDS BY EVIDENCE AFTER VIEWING CLIP
After viewing the pay station footage again, PC Ward stood by her previous testimony. She maintained that she did not witness the specific strikes made by her colleague against the defendant ⬇️
15:01
🔴 "I'VE JUST BEEN PUNCHED" - OFFICER ON RECALL
When pressed on why she did not see the kick or stamp, the officer reminded the court of her own condition at the time. "I can't remember it, I've just been punched in the face," she told jurors ⬇️
14:57
🔴 STAMP AND KICK NOT SEEN BY WITNESS
PC Ward testified that she did not see PC Marsden kick Mr Amaaz in the head or stamp on him during the struggle. She maintained that her focus was impacted by the physical assault she had just sustained ⬇️
14:51
🔴 PAY STATION CCTV REVIEWED BY JURY
Jurors are being shown CCTV footage from the airport pay station in detail. The defence is using the video to compare PC Ward’s verbal account with the physical actions captured on the night of the incident ⬇️
14:47
🔴 FOOTAGE CHALLENGES OFFICER RECOLLECTION
The court is examining the moments immediately following the assault on the officers. PC Ward is being asked to identify specific movements and interventions captured in the high-definition security clips ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE CONTINUES TO PROBE OFFICER CONDUCT
The afternoon session has opened with a focus on the precise movements made by PC Ward during the struggle. The defence is questioning the officer's recollection of her own physical intervention at the pay station ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 11 - 27 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
13:01
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNS FOR LUNCH BREAK
The trial has paused for the lunch recess. Evidence will continue at 2:30pm as the court further explores the claims of assault and the police response at Manchester Airport ⬇️
🔴 "I DIDN'T PUNCH ANYBODY" - OFFICER STANDS FIRM
PC Ward has repeatedly denied allegations of striking the defendant. She told the jury that any physical contact she made was an attempt to pull the suspect away from her colleague, PC Marsden ⬇️
12:53
🔴 OFFICER REJECTS SELF-DEFENCE ARGUMENT
The witness dismissed the suggestion that the punch delivered by Mr Amaaz was in self-defence. She maintained that she was the victim of an assault while performing her duties to protect another officer ⬇️
12:51
🔴 THROAT PUNCH ALLEGATIONS DENIED
PC Ward rejected a specific allegation from the defence that she punched Mr Amaaz in the throat. "Not that I can remember, I didn't punch anybody," she testified after viewing footage of the incident ⬇️
12:47
🔴 JURY REVIEWS STRUGGLE FOOTAGE
The court is once again examining CCTV and body-worn footage of the car park melee. The defence is using the clips to challenge PC Ward’s assertion that she did not use unlawful force ⬇️
12:43
🔴 "HE ASSAULTED ME" - PC ON BROKEN NOSE
PC Ward told the court she believes she was assaulted by the defendant, rather than him acting in self-defence. She cited the force of the blow that resulted in her suffering a broken nose ⬇️
12:41
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNS FOR LUNCH BREAK
The trial has paused for the lunch recess. Evidence will continue at 2:30pm as the court further explores the claims of assault and the police response at Manchester Airport ⬇️
12:37
🔴 NO CHANCE TO ISSUE ARREST WARNING
The officer testified that she did not tell Mr Amaaz he was under arrest because the situation escalated too quickly. She claimed the rapid onset of violence precluded formal procedure ⬇️
12:31
🔴 "A DYNAMIC JOB" - OFFICER DEFENDS LACK OF PLAN
PC Ward denied that there was a failure to form a proper strategy for the arrest. She described the encounter as a "dynamic job" where the immediate need was to secure a suspect ⬇️
12:26
🔴 DENIAL OF RISK ASSESSMENT FAILURE
Under cross-examination, the officer rejected suggestions that there was a "fundamental failure" in assessing risk. She maintained that the information regarding previous violence justified their approach ⬇️
12:21
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION BY DANIELLE BUCKETT BEGINS
Junior defence counsel Danielle Buckett has commenced her questioning of PC Ward. The defence is focusing on potential failures in gathering intelligence prior to the confrontation ⬇️
12:15
🔴 STATEMENT DICTATED TO HUSBAND IN HOSPITAL
PC Ward confirmed she dictated her witness statement to her husband, also a police officer, while receiving treatment. The statement was then forwarded to colleagues to be uploaded to the system ⬇️
12:11
🔴 OFFICER UNDERWENT SURGERY FOR INJURIES
The jury heard that PC Ward attended hospital at 11:45pm on the night of the incident. Medical examinations confirmed a broken nose which required subsequent surgical intervention ⬇️
12:09
🔴 "TERRIFIED" OF FURTHER ASSAULT
Following the initial blow, PC Ward told the jury she was "terrified" of being attacked again. She described the scene as ongoing and insecure as she attempted to regain her composure ⬇️
12:07
🔴 EMERGENCY BUTTON PRESSED FOR BACKUP
The officer recounted pressing her emergency button during the struggle. She told the court she was "hoping some other cops were on their way" to provide urgent assistance to the team ⬇️
12:05
🔴 PAVA SPRAY USED ON HOSTILE PUBLIC
PC Ward confirmed she deployed her PAVA spray after members of the public behaved in a "hostile" way. She claimed she was screaming at them to "get back" before using the spray ⬇️
12:03
🔴 OFFICER DESCRIBES BLACKING OUT
Recalling the punch to her face, PC Ward said: "Everything went black. I just remember coming around and I was really dizzy." She subsequently noticed blood coming from her nose ⬇️
12:01
🔴 "FORCEFUL" PUNCH TO THE FACE
The witness told the jury she was punched "straight to the face" with "forceful" impact. She noted that she had never been punched before in her life prior to this incident ⬇️
11:59
🔴 FEAR FOR COLLEAGUE DURING "BOOTING"
PC Ward stated she was "very scared for all of us" after seeing Mr Amaaz "booting" PC Marsden. She claimed she did everything possible to stop her colleague from being further injured ⬇️
11:57
🔴 SUSPECT DESCRIBED AS "REALLY VIOLENT"
The officer testified that Mr Amaaz was kicking PC Marsden with "great force" in a "really violent" manner. She was attempting to secure the suspect when she herself was struck ⬇️
11:53
🔴 DEFENDANT AMAAD "OBSTRUCTING" ARREST
PC Ward identified the man in grey, Mr Amaad, as "interfering" with the police action. She stated he was in the way while officers were attempting to secure his brother ⬇️
11:51
🔴 SIGNS OF RESISTANCE REPORTED
The officer told the jury she felt the suspect's arm becoming "stiff" as she took hold of him. She interpreted this "tensing up" as a clear sign of resistance to the arrest ⬇️
11:49
🔴 "THINGS ESCALATED VERY QUICKLY"
PC Ward stated she could not recall if she said anything to the suspect upon arrival. She told the court that the situation descended into physical conflict almost immediately ⬇️
11:47
🔴 OFFICERS TAKE HOLD OF SUSPECT
The witness described taking hold of Mr Amaaz's right arm while PC Marsden took the left. Her stated intention was to "effect the arrest" and apply handcuffs to the suspect ⬇️
11:43
🔴 ENTRY INTO THE PAY STATION
PC Ward told the jury that upon entering the car park area, she initially assumed Mr Amaaz was alone. This assumption changed as the physical struggle with the group began ⬇️
11:41
🔴 PC LYDIA WARD BEGINS EVIDENCE
The morning session has seen PC Lydia Ward take the stand. She is currently being questioned by prosecutor Adam Birkby regarding her movements and observations at Manchester Airport ⬇️
11:39
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
Proceedings have commenced for Day 11. The jury is seated as the prosecution continues to call witnesses involved in the police response to the car park incident last July ⬇️
🔴 GOOD MORNING: LIVE REPORTING RESUMES
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Day 11 of the Manchester Airport attack trial. Proceedings are set to resume at 11:30am in Court 41 of Liverpool Crown Court, where we will continue to bring you the latest factual updates as evidence is heard ⬇️
🔴 GOOD MORNING: LIVE REPORTING RESUMES
Good morning. Our live reporting continues from Liverpool Crown Court for the afternoon session of Day 11. The jury has returned and PC Lydia Ward is back in the witness box for continued cross-examination by Danielle Buckett ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 10 - 23 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL MONDAY
The jury has been sent home for the weekend at Liverpool Crown Court. Proceedings in the Manchester Airport attack retrial are scheduled to resume at 11:30am on Monday morning for further witness evidence ⬇️
12:46
🔴 ARRESTS PREFERRED AWAY FROM CROWDS
PC Ward testified that while an arrest could be performed inside the pay station, she would not "normally" carry one out in a crowd. She told the jury officers would likely wait to act until the suspect was in a clearer area ⬇️
12:43
🔴 PAY STATION DEEMED DANGEROUS SITUATION
The officer described the scene at the car park pay station as "potentially a dangerous situation." She told the court that the presence of a crowd influenced her assessment as she approached the suspect ⬇️
12:40
🔴 WARD SPOTTED SUSPECT AT TICKET MACHINE
PC Ward confirmed she saw the "man in blue" standing near the ticket machine as she entered the pay station. She noted she was initially unaware of whether the suspect was accompanied by others ⬇️
12:37
🔴 SUSPECT CONSIDERED POTENTIALLY VIOLENT
The court heard that officers approached the scene with the belief the suspect had already been violent. PC Ward stated there was a clear concern that the individual had the potential to be violent again ⬇️
12:34
🔴 ARREST NECESSARY TO PREVENT FURTHER HARM
PC Ward told jurors the arrest was essential to ensure the suspect did not "harm anybody else." She added that taking the man into custody was also vital for the preservation and gathering of evidence ⬇️
12:31
🔴 "NO PLAN" FOR DYNAMIC ENCOUNTER
The witness explained that no formal plan was discussed for the physical arrest because it was a "dynamic situation." She noted such encounters are a "daily" occurrence for police working at the airport ⬇️
12:28
🔴 OFFICERS CLEARLY RECOGNISABLE IN UNIFORM
PC Ward confirmed she was wearing a standard GMP uniform and a tactical vest with "POLICE" written in large letters. She maintained she was easily recognisable as a police officer on the night ⬇️
12:25
🔴 WARD EQUIPPED WITH BATON AND PAVA
The jury heard details of the officer's kit, which included a radio, body-cam, pepper spray, and a baton. She confirmed she was not Taser-trained and therefore did not carry the device during the incident ⬇️
12:22
🔴 WARD TRUSTED ARMED COLLEAGUES
PC Ward told the court she had been stationed at the airport for 18 months and worked daily with PCs Marsden and Cook. She stated she had full trust in her colleagues during their combined operations ⬇️
12:19
🔴 MARSDEN CALLED "VERY GOOD OFFICER"
Describing her colleague PC Marsden, the witness told the jury he was "a very good officer and very good at his job." She defended his professional reputation during her first hour in the witness box ⬇️
12:16
🔴 PC WARD SERVED SINCE 2018
The jurors were given a background of the witness's career, including her time as a special constable. She joined GMP in 2018 and was posted to the Wigan response division before moving to the airport ⬇️
12:13
🔴 PC LYDIA WARD CALLED TO TESTIFY
The prosecution has called PC Lydia Ward as the next witness. She has been sworn in and is being taken through her account of the July 2024 incident by junior counsel Adam Birkby ⬇️
12:10
🔴 KICK AND STAMP FOLLOWED VIOLENCE
PC Marsden clarified the timing of his physical strikes, telling the jury the kick and stamp captured on camera occurred only after he had been subjected to violence by the defendants ⬇️
12:07
🔴 NO TASER AIMED AT DEFENDANT'S FACE
The officer denied aiming his Taser at the face of Mr Amaad during the struggle. He maintained his use of the device was a controlled tactical response to the ongoing resistance ⬇️
12:04
🔴 CAP AND GLASSES PUNCHED OFF IN MELEE
Reviewing the CCTV, PC Marsden pointed out the moment his glasses were "punched off" his face. He told the jury his police cap was also knocked off during the early stages of the physical confrontation ⬇️
12:01
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR SHORT BREAK
The court has taken a brief recess following the conclusion of PC Marsden’s re-examination. The lead officer's three days of evidence have concluded before the next witness is called ⬇️
11:58
🔴 NECK RESTRAINT TECHNIQUE TAUGHT AS "HELPFUL"
PC Marsden told the jury that training manuals describe restraining a subject from the back of the neck as "helpful." He maintained that his actions were a application of his official police training ⬇️
11:55
🔴 MARSDEN DENIES GRABBING FRONT OF NECK
Addressing safety concerns, the PC noted that the "dangerous" aspect of neck restraints involves the front of the throat. He told the court the footage proves he only gripped the back of the suspect's neck ⬇️
11:52
🔴 OFFICER DENIES BEING "WHOLLY OUT OF CONTROL"
The officer rejected defense claims that he lost his composure at the pay station. He insisted he was not expecting anything out of the ordinary when he initially approached the suspects ⬇️
11:49
🔴 CLAIM OF "UTMOST PROFESSIONALISM AND BRAVERY"
Asked to reflect on his conduct, PC Marsden told the jury he acted with "utmost professionalism and bravery." He noted that, unlike other colleagues, he was not captured swearing on camera ⬇️
11:46
🔴 HEARING IMPAIRED BY HEAD BLOWS
PC Marsden claimed his hearing was adversely affected by the assault he allegedly suffered. He used this to explain why he failed to hear specific commands and warnings during the chaos ⬇️
11:43
🔴 OFFICER DID NOT HEAR TASER WARNINGS
The PC told the court he did not hear his colleague PC Cook shouting "Taser Taser Taser" before she discharged her weapon. He cited his "shock" and injuries as the reason for this lack of awareness ⬇️
11:40
🔴 NO PERSONAL TASER ANNOUNCEMENT MADE
The officer admitted he did not announce he was about to use his own Taser. He explained to the jurors that he was "in shock" following the rapid escalation of violence at the ticket machines ⬇️
11:37
🔴 BLANK STATEMENT UPLOADED AS PLACEHOLDER
PC Marsden explained the digital paper trail, noting he first uploaded a blank version of PC Ward's statement at 1:43am. He told the court this was standard procedure before pasting the full text ⬇️
11:34
🔴 PC DENIES COLLUSION ON WITNESS STATEMENTS
The officer rejected the suggestion that he had "colluded" with colleagues to align their stories. He insisted he was being "honest and truthful" regarding the independence of his formal report ⬇️
11:31
🔴 OFFICER ROLE INCLUDED BUILDING CPS CASE
PC Marsden told the court his primary role was to carry out the investigation and build a case for the CPS. He stated he expected to receive and upload statements from colleagues as part of this duty ⬇️
11:28
🔴 EMAIL RECEIVED FROM PC LYDIA WARD
The jury was told that PC Ward emailed the "body of her witness statement" to PC Marsden and two others. Marsden claimed he could not recall receiving the email on the night ⬇️
11:25
🔴 CONCERN FOR TEARFUL COLLEAGUE CITED
The prosecutor asked why the officer claimed to be "not bothered" by the violence. Marsden replied that his primary concern at that moment was PC Ward, who was in tears following the incident ⬇️
11:22
🔴 "NOT BOTHERED" CAPTURED ON BODY-CAM
Body-worn footage taken 25 minutes after the incident captured PC Marsden saying he was "not bothered." However, he told the jury that in reality, he felt "shocked and disappointed" ⬇️
11:16
🔴 INTENT TO ARREST CLARIFIED IN SECOND STATEMENT
Marsden admitted his first statement said he intended to "speak" to the suspect rather than arrest him. He told the court he clarified his true intention to arrest in a subsequent statement ⬇️
11:11
🔴 ARREST PLAN FORMED EN ROUTE
PC Marsden told jurors he discussed the arrest with PC Ward while walking to the pay station. The plan was for Marsden to perform the arrest while Ward handled the subsequent transport of the suspect ⬇️
🔴 "NO REALISTIC ALTERNATIVE" TO ARREST
PC Marsden agreed with the prosecution that an arrest was warranted and necessary under the circumstances. He told the court there was no realistic alternative to a physical intervention following the identification of the suspect ⬇️
10:46
🔴 CROWD FEAR PREVENTED RUNNING
Addressing defense claims that he lied about his urgency, the officer explained he chose not to run as an armed officer because doing so would "instil fear into the crowd at an international airport." He maintained his pace was a professional choice ⬇️
10:44
🔴 RADIO UPDATES WOULD NOT CHANGE DECISION
The officer stated that even if radio control had provided more context from the Starbucks CCTV, it would not have discouraged his decision to arrest. He maintained the necessity of the police action regardless of the suspect's company ⬇️
10:43
🔴 PRESENCE OF CHILD "WOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE"
PC Marsden told jurors that knowing the suspect was with a woman and child at the time would have made no difference to his decision to carry out the arrest. The prosecution reviewed the Starbucks footage to confirm this stance ⬇️
10:42
🔴 PC ASSISTED BY LAWYER FOR IOPC STATEMENT
The officer confirmed he was assisted by a lawyer when drafting his 17-page statement for the IOPC. However, he told the court it remained "his statement" and accurately reflected his account of the force used ⬇️
10:41
🔴 OFFICER RECOGNIZED HE "HAD SOMETHING AT STAKE"
PC Marsden agreed that when providing his final statement to the IOPC in October 2024, he recognized he had a personal stake in the outcome. The statement was specifically provided to explain his use of force ⬇️
10:39
🔴 FOUR WITNESS STATEMENTS FILED IN TOTAL
The court heard that PC Marsden has provided four witness statements during the investigation. Three were for the prosecution of the defendants, and the fourth was a detailed 17-page account for the police watchdog ⬇️
10:38
🔴 RE-EXAMINATION BY PROSECUTION BEGINS
Paul Greaney KC has begun his re-examination of the officer. The questioning aims to clarify points raised during the intensive three-day cross-examination regarding police procedure and statements ⬇️
10:37
🔴 MARSDEN RETURNS TO THE WITNESS BOX
PC Zachary Marsden has been brought back into court to continue his testimony. This marks the fourth day the armed officer has occupied the witness box at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
10:35
🔴 JURY SEATED FOR DAY TEN
The jury has been brought back into court for the final sitting of the week. The atmosphere remains focused as the trial enters a critical phase of clarifying the lead officer's evidence ⬇️
10:33
🔴 FINAL SITTING OF THE WEEK COMMENCES
The trial has officially resumed for the morning session. PC Zachary Marsden is set to face final questions from the prosecution as they look to conclude his oral evidence today ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
Good morning. Our live coverage continues from Liverpool for Day Ten of the Manchester Airport attack retrial. Legal arguments have concluded, and the jury is ready to proceed ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 9 - 23 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 JURY SENT HOME FOR THE DAY
The ninth day of the trial has concluded at Liverpool Crown Court. The jury has been dismissed and instructed to return at 10:00am tomorrow to continue hearing evidence regarding the Manchester Airport incident ⬇️
🔴 PC MARSDEN DESCRIBES POST-ATTACK STATE
Asked how he felt when making his initial statement, the officer told the jury he was "shocked," "emotionally heightened," and "in pain from the attack." He maintained that his physical and mental state influenced his early recollections ⬇️
16:20
🔴 PROSECUTION RE-EXAMINATION BEGINS
Following the conclusion of the defense's questioning, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has begun a re-examination of PC Marsden. The prosecution is seeking to clarify the officer's testimony regarding his injuries and state of mind ⬇️
16:16
🔴 OFFICER DENIES ABUSING POSITION
PC Marsden flatly rejected allegations that he abused his position as a firearms officer. He maintained to the court that his actions throughout the confrontation were within the scope of his duties and training ⬇️
16:13
🔴 "ZERO SELF-CONTROL" CLAIM DISPUTED
The officer disagreed with Chloe Gardner’s suggestion that he possessed "zero self-control" during the struggle. He asserted that he remained professional despite the violent nature of the encounter ⬇️
16:09
🔴 PC DENIES "SELECTIVE MEMORY"
PC Marsden disagreed with defense suggestions that he had been "far from honest" or possessed a "selective memory." He told the jury he had acted with integrity throughout the investigation ⬇️
16:05
🔴 FLANAGAN’S CONDUCT RAISED IN COURT
Jurors heard that PC Flanagan told a defendant: "If you f****** move I will smash your f****** face in." PC Marsden stated it would be for PC Flanagan to justify his own choice of words ⬇️
16:01
🔴 OFFICER DEFENDS CONDUCT AS LAWFUL
Under the final moments of cross-examination, PC Marsden maintained his behavior was not "unlawful." He insisted his physical intervention was a direct response to being under active assault ⬇️
15:58
🔴 HEARING CONTINUES AFTER RECESS
The trial has resumed for the final session of the day. Chloe Gardner has concluded her cross-examination, and the focus has shifted back to the prosecution's clarifying questions ⬇️
15:54
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR AFTERNOON BREAK
The jury was sent out for a brief recess following the intense questioning by the defense for Muhammad Amaad. The court is now moving into the final stages of the officer's oral evidence ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER LUNCH BREAK
The trial has resumed at Liverpool Crown Court for the day nine afternoon session. The jury is seated as the court continues to hear evidence regarding the police intervention at Manchester Airport ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 9 - 23 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION BEGINS RE-EXAMINATION
Chloe Gardner’s cross-examination has concluded. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC is now asking further questions of PC Marsden to clarify points raised by the defense during his three days of testimony ⬇️
15:55
🔴 HEARING CONTINUES AFTER BREAK
The trial has resumed for the final session of the day. PC Zachary Marsden remains in the witness box as the prosecution seeks to address the defense’s allegations of "unlawful force" ⬇️
15:53
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR AFTERNOON BREAK
The jury has left the courtroom for a short recess. Before the break, the court heard the final segments of the defense's challenge regarding the officer's physical restraint of the second defendant ⬇️
15:51
🔴 "SQUIRMING AROUND": PC DENIES BREATHING ISSUES
Responding to the suggestion that Mr Amaad could not breathe, the officer stated: "He was squirming around. That's all I can say on that matter." He maintained the defendant's movement proved no respiratory restriction ⬇️
15:49
🔴 OFFICER DENIES PRESSURE ON NECK
PC Marsden flatly denied putting his knee on the defendant's neck. He told the jury: "I would never put him at risk in that sense. There is absolutely no pressure on him," during the final moments of cross-examination ⬇️
15:47
🔴 DEFENCE CLAIMS DEFENDANT COULDN'T BREATHE
Ms. Gardner suggested to the officer that her client was unable to breathe during the restraint. PC Marsden rejected the claim, citing the defendant's physical activity as evidence against it ⬇️
15:45
🔴 "GENUINE FEAR" OF SECOND ATTACK
The officer disputed allegations that he was "out of control," claiming instead he had a "genuine fear" that Mr Amaad would launch another attack. He framed his physical actions as preventative measures ⬇️
15:43
🔴 KICK DESCRIBED AS "STRIKE TO MUSCULAR MASS"
When asked about a kick to the defendant's thigh, PC Marsden clarified his terminology, stating: "I have implemented a strike to the muscular mass of his thigh." He maintained this was a standard tactical move ⬇️
15:41
🔴 KNEELING CALLED AN "ACT OF RESISTANCE"
While footage showed Mr Amaad dropping to his knees, the officer claimed this was an "act of resistance." He argued that the position put the defendant in a "great position to attack" the officers ⬇️
15:39
🔴 "GET DOWN" COMMAND GIVEN BY OFFICER
PC Marsden confirmed to the jury that he shouted "get down" to Mr Amaad during the escalation in the pay station. The defense is questioning why force was applied once the defendant appeared to comply ⬇️
15:37
🔴 DEFENCE ALLEGATION: OFFICER "OUT OF CONTROL"
Chloe Gardner put it to PC Marsden that he had lost his professional composure during the struggle. The officer maintained that his actions were a calibrated response to a perceived ongoing threat ⬇️
15:35
🔴 FOCUS ON TACTICAL RESTRAINT MECHANICS
The court is examining the exact placement of the officer's body weight during the struggle on the floor. The defense is scrutinizing whether the restraint techniques used complied with police safety regulations ⬇️
15:33
🔴 PC DENIES "PRESSURE" ON SUSPECT'S NECK
The witness repeated his assertion that no dangerous pressure was applied to the suspect's neck area. He insisted his tactical positioning was designed to control, not to injure or restrict breathing ⬇️
15:31
🔴 SCRUTINY OF "MUSCULAR MASS" STRIKES
The jury is being asked to consider whether the "strikes" delivered by the officer were proportionate. The prosecution is expected to revisit these tactical descriptions during their upcoming re-examination ⬇️
15:29
🔴 PC: "I WOULD NEVER PUT HIM AT RISK"
Under intense questioning about the safety of his restraint methods, PC Marsden told the court he would never intentionally place a subject at risk. He denied any excessive force was used during the pinning ⬇️
15:27
🔴 DEFENCE HIGHLIGHTS COMPLIANCE FOOTAGE
The defense focused on CCTV showing the defendant moving to his knees. They argue this demonstrates a surrender, while the officer maintains it was a tactical maneuver by the suspect ⬇️
15:25
🔴 OFFICER STANDS BY TACTICAL PERCEPTION
PC Marsden told the court that his perception of the suspect's movements was shaped by the "flurry of blows" he had already received. He argued his caution was justified by the previous violence ⬇️
15:23
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION ON RESTRAINT TECHNIQUES
Day Nine continues with a detailed breakdown of the physical struggle. The defense is challenging the officer's claim that his actions were "perfectly in line with self-defence" ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH BREAK
The court has risen for the lunch recess. Proceedings are scheduled to resume at 2:10pm, with PC Zachary Marsden expected to continue his evidence under cross-examination regarding the use of force ⬇️
13:04
🔴 OFFICER STANDS BY ELBOW STRIKE
When challenged on the necessity of an elbow strike delivered to Mr Amaad, PC Marsden replied: "No, quite the contrary." He maintained that his actions were a justified response to the physical threat he perceived ⬇️
13:01
🔴 FORCE CALLED "IN LINE WITH SELF-DEFENCE"
PC Marsden told the jury that his conduct was "perfectly in line with self-defence." The officer has consistently argued that the intensity of the struggle required immediate and robust physical intervention ⬇️
12:58
🔴 DEFENCE CHALLENGES ELBOW STRIKE
Chloe Gardner, representing Muhammad Amaad, put it to the officer that he elbowed her client during the melee. She suggested the move was "completely unnecessary" given the circumstances in the car park ⬇️
12:55
🔴 PC DENIES UNNECESSARY FORCE
The officer rejected the defense's characterization of his physical actions as excessive. He testified that each movement was a calibrated attempt to gain control of a suspect who was resisting ⬇️
12:52
🔴 SCRUTINY OF CLOSE-QUARTER COMBAT
The cross-examination has focused on the specific mechanics of the struggle on the floor. Jurors are being asked to weigh the officer's claim of self-defence against the visual evidence provided by CCTV ⬇️
12:49
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION TURNS TO MUHAMMAD AMAAD
Questions are now being directed at PC Marsden's specific interactions with the second defendant. The defense is questioning the legality of the force used once the initial confrontation had escalated ⬇️
🔴 "EASY" AND "NO" COULD HAVE OTHER MEANINGS
Responding to claims that Amaad was pleading with officers to stop, PC Marsden told the court those words "could mean other things." He stated he never had the opportunity to discuss intentions with the defendant during the struggle ⬇️
12:45
🔴 OFFICER DENIES "TUNNEL VISION" CLAIMS
PC Marsden rejected the suggestion that he suffered from "tunnel vision" during the approach. He maintained that his focus was on the tactical necessity of removing the suspect from the crowded pay station ⬇️
12:40
🔴 PC TRUSTED COLLEAGUES OVER BACKUP CALL
The officer defended the decision not to radio for backup at the pay station. He stated he "trusted" his colleagues and viewed the situation as "straightforward" based on his years of experience in the field ⬇️
12:35
🔴 DEFENCE: DEFENDANTS WERE WALKING, NOT RUNNING
PC Marsden agreed with Chloe Gardner that the brothers were walking, not running, when they left Starbucks. The defence is using this to challenge the officer's earlier claim that the pair "wanted to escape" ⬇️
12:30
🔴 CHLOE GARDNER BEGINS CROSS-EXAMINATION
Defence counsel for Muhammad Amaad has started her questioning of PC Marsden. The focus remains on the officer's perception of the defendants' behavior prior to the physical intervention ⬇️
12:25
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER MORNING BREAK
The jury has returned to the courtroom at Liverpool Crown Court. PC Zachary Marsden remains in the witness box for his third day of evidence as the defence continues to challenge his account ⬇️
12:22
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR SHORT RECESS
The court has taken a scheduled break following the conclusion of Imran Khan KC's cross-examination. Evidence will continue shortly with the second defence team taking the lead ⬇️
12:29
🔴 "UNDERMINING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE" ALLEGATION
In his final remarks, Mr. Khan put it to the officer that his conduct "undermined public confidence in policing." PC Marsden replied: "No Mr Khan, I disagree again" before the questioning ended ⬇️
11:25
🔴 OFFICER CLAIMS HE ONLY UPLOADED STATEMENT
When asked by the judge if he had read PC Ward’s emailed statement, PC Marsden replied, "Not to my knowledge." He told the court he believed his only task was to upload the document to the system ⬇️
11:23
🔴 PC WARD EMAILED STATEMENT TO MARSDEN
Jurors were told that PC Ward sent an email titled 'statement' from her personal account to PC Marsden on July 24. The prosecution is scrutinizing whether officers collaborated on their written accounts ⬇️
11:21
🔴 "NEVER READ ANYONE ELSE'S STATEMENTS"
PC Marsden rejected the claim that he lied about seeing other witnesses' accounts. He told the jury: "I have never read anyone else's statements to write my own," insisting on his independence ⬇️
11:19
🔴 PC DENIES CONTACTING POLITICAL PARTIES
The officer flatly denied providing information to a political party in the weeks following the incident. The defence suggested he had done so because he feared he was at risk of losing his job ⬇️
11:17
🔴 QUESTIONING TURNS TO OFFICER STATEMENTS
Imran Khan KC has shifted focus to how PC Marsden prepared his formal statement. The defence is alleging that the officer’s written account was influenced by information from other colleagues ⬇️
11:15
🔴 OFFICER STANDS BY USE OF PAVA SPRAY
PC Marsden continues to defend his actions against bystanders, asserting that the deployment of PAVA spray was a necessary reaction to an "obstructive" crowd interfering with police duty ⬇️
11:13
🔴 "NOT UNTOWARD": PC DEFENDS CONDUCT
The officer insisted he acted with respect and courtesy toward members of the public. He told the court he had done "nothing untoward" during the interactions that followed the brothers' arrest ⬇️
11:11
🔴 PC CHALLENGED ON POST-INCIDENT FOOTAGE
Body-worn footage from after the struggle was reviewed again. The defence claims the officer's comments to colleagues demonstrate a lack of professional restraint and an "angry" state of mind ⬇️
11:09
🔴 RECAP OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE
The court briefly reviewed the findings of Dr. Jenkins regarding post-concussion syndrome. PC Marsden maintains that his physical symptoms impacted his memory of the immediate aftermath ⬇️
11:07
🔴 DAY NINE CROSS-EXAMINATION INTENSIFIES
Good morning. PC Zachary Marsden faces a third day of questioning at Liverpool Crown Court. The legality of the arrest and the consistency of police statements remain the primary fo
🔴 OFFICER DENIES "RED MIST" ALLEGATION
Imran Khan KC suggested that body-worn footage showed the officer was "out of control" and "angry" during the confrontation. PC Marsden rejected the claim, stating the defense was taking "one line out of a whole sentence" to exploit it ⬇️
11:00
🔴 "I DIDN'T HIT ANY OF THEM PROPERLY"
Jurors were shown footage of PC Marsden speaking to a colleague after the incident, where he was heard saying: "I wouldn't mind, I didn't hit any of them properly." The defense argued this proved a violent mindset ⬇️
10:57
🔴 PC TRUSTED COLLEAGUE'S SEARCH PROCEDURE
When asked if the "GO WISELY" search protocol was followed by his colleague, PC Marsden said he "trusted" the correct approach was used. He noted he went to assist because he believed a man might have taken his mobile phone ⬇️
10:54
🔴 NO RECALL OF APOLOGY TO PUBLIC
PC Marsden told the court he did not recall if he apologized to a member of the public after the interaction. He maintained that he had done "nothing untoward" and acted with appropriate conduct during the encounter ⬇️
10:51
🔴 DEFENCE ALLEGES "PATTERN OF BEHAVIOUR"
Mr Khan suggested that the officer's actions toward bystanders after the defendants left were part of a "pattern of behaviour." PC Marsden formally disagreed with this assessment while under cross-examination ⬇️
10:48
🔴 PAVA SPRAY DEPLOYMENT DEFENDED
The court heard that PC Marsden deployed PAVA spray after claiming officers were being blocked from making an arrest. He joined two colleagues who were already engaging with three members of the public ⬇️
10:45
🔴 KC RESUMES QUESTIONING ON PAY STATION
Imran Khan KC is focusing on the events in the pay station that occurred after the defendants had departed. The questioning is scrutinizing the officer's interactions with bystanders who were present at the scene ⬇️
10:42
🔴 DAY NINE: PC MARSDEN BACK IN THE BOX
The trial has resumed at Liverpool Crown Court for its ninth day. PC Zachary Marsden has returned to the witness box to continue giving evidence regarding the Manchester Airport intervention ⬇️
10:39
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING
The previous session concluded at Liverpool Crown Court with the jury being dismissed. The trial has now resumed for Day Nine with further testimony from the lead officer ⬇️
10:36
🔴 DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE CONCLUDES
Dr Dominic Jenkins has finished his testimony after detailing his clinical assessment of PC Marsden. The consultant’s evidence was interposed to accommodate his schedule ⬇️
10:33
🔴 MONTHS OF RECOVERY FOR OFFICER
PC Marsden reported that it took several months to fully recover from his injuries. Dr Jenkins told the jury that this timeline was "entirely consensual with the diagnosis" of post-concussion syndrome ⬇️
10:30
🔴 "POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME" DIAGNOSIS
Based on the symptoms and the CCTV footage of the assault, Dr Jenkins concluded that PC Marsden was suffering from "post-concussion syndrome" following the July 23 incident ⬇️
10:27
🔴 DOCTOR OBSERVED "FORCEFUL" BLOWS ON CCTV
Dr Jenkins described watching mobile phone footage of the incident, stating he could see the officer being hit "repeatedly, forcefully to the left of the back of his head, in very quick succession" ⬇️
10:24
🔴 OFFICER REPORTED "SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL STRESS"
The jury heard that PC Marsden complained of significant personal stress and a worsening headache following the incident. He sought a formal assessment five days after the confrontation ⬇️
10:21
🔴 CONSULTANT ASSESSED OFFICER AFTER OVERNIGHT STAY
Dr Jenkins told jurors he assessed PC Marsden on July 28 after the officer had been kept in overnight for observation. The review focused on injuries allegedly sustained during the airport altercation ⬇️
10:18
🔴 MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF ARMED OFFICER
The court is reviewing the medical history of PC Marsden's injuries, including swelling and bruising. The officer testified these were caused by being "repeatedly punched" by the defendants ⬇️
🔴 DAY NINE: JURY RETURNS TO COURT
Good morning from Liverpool Crown Court. Jurors have returned for the ninth day of the trial. The two defendants are present in the dock wearing suits, shirts, and ties ⬇️
LIVE: DAY 8 - 22 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING
The eighth day of proceedings has concluded at Liverpool Crown Court. The trial is scheduled to resume tomorrow at 10:00am, where the jury will continue to hear evidence regarding the Manchester Airport incident ⬇️
16:13
🔴 DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE CONCLUDES
Dr Dominic Jenkins has finished his testimony after detailing his clinical assessment of PC Marsden. The consultant’s evidence was interposed today to accommodate his schedule before the trial moves to its next phase ⬇️
16:09
🔴 MONTHS OF RECOVERY FOR OFFICER
PC Marsden reported that it took several months to fully recover from his injuries. Dr Jenkins told the jury that this timeline was "entirely consensual with the diagnosis" of post-concussion syndrome ⬇️
16:04
🔴 PRESCRIPTION FOR REST AND PAINKILLERS
The court heard that Dr Jenkins advised the officer to rest for two weeks and prescribed painkillers to manage his symptoms. The doctor's assessment followed an overnight stay for observation at Arrowe Park Hospital ⬇️
16:00
🔴 "POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME" DIAGNOSIS
Based on the symptoms and the CCTV footage of the assault, Dr Jenkins concluded that PC Marsden was suffering from "post-concussion syndrome." The officer had complained of insomnia and slowed speech ⬇️
15:56
🔴 DOCTOR OBSERVED "FORCEFUL" BLOWS ON CCTV
Dr Jenkins described watching mobile phone footage of the incident, stating he could see the officer being hit "repeatedly, forcefully to the left of the back of his head, in very quick succession" ⬇️
15:51
🔴 OFFICER REPORTED "SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL STRESS"
The jury heard that PC Marsden complained of significant personal stress and a worsening headache following the July 23 incident. He sought a formal assessment five days after the initial confrontation ⬇️
15:47
🔴 CONSULTANT ASSESSED OFFICER AFTER OVERNIGHT STAY
Dr Jenkins told jurors he assessed PC Marsden on July 28 after the officer had been kept in overnight for observation. The clinical review focused on injuries allegedly sustained during the airport altercation ⬇️
🔴 CONSULTANT DOCTOR CALLED TO WITNESS BOX
Dr Dominic Jenkins, a consultant in emergency medicine at Arrowe Park Hospital, is now giving evidence. His testimony has been interposed because he is unavailable after today, temporarily pausing PC Marsden’s cross-examination ⬇️
15:35
🔴 "THROBBING" HEADACHE AND DIZZINESS REPORTED
In addition to physical bruising, PC Marsden reported suffering from a "throbbing" headache, poor concentration, and dizziness following the incident. Dr Jenkins is expected to detail the clinical findings from the officer's medical assessment ⬇️
15:31
🔴 OFFICER BLAMES DEFENDANTS FOR INJURIES
When asked by prosecutor Mr Greaney how his injuries were sustained, PC Marsden told the jury they were the "result of Fahir and Amaad repeatedly punching me around the head." The doctor will now verify the nature of these injuries ⬇️
15:27
🔴 JURORS SHOWN IMAGES OF OFFICER'S INJURIES
Before the medical evidence began, the jury examined photographs of PC Marsden displaying swelling and bruising. The trial has resumed with this focus on the physical impact of the confrontation at Manchester Airport ⬇️
15:25
🔴 KICK HARM DESCRIBED AS "SUBJECTIVE"
When asked if a kick to the face causes serious harm, PC Marsden replied that such an assessment is "subjective." He maintained his actions were controlled and based on professional experience ⬇️
15:23
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER AFTERNOON BREAK
Proceedings have resumed at Liverpool Crown Court following a short recess.
🔴 BREAK CALLED AFTER INTENSE TESTIMONY
The jury has left the courtroom for a scheduled break. PC Marsden’s evidence regarding the use of PAVA spray and the subsequent arrests of bystanders will continue shortly at Liverpool Crown Court ⬇️
15:06
🔴 OFFICER DENIES ANGER OR GRATUITOUS VIOLENCE
PC Marsden flatly denied Mr Khan’s suggestions that he was "angry" with the men at the scene or that he had used "gratuitous violence." He maintained his actions were professional and purely tactical ⬇️
15:05
🔴 NECK GRAB NECESSARY TO "CONTROL MOVEMENTS"
Footage showed the officer grabbing a man he had just sprayed around the neck. When asked if this was necessary, the PC replied it was required to control the male's movements down to the floor for arrest ⬇️
15:04
🔴 PAVA SPRAY USED ON "BARRIER" BYSTANDERS
PC Marsden testified that he deployed PAVA spray because two men were "obstructing" an officer attempting to arrest a third person. He claimed they were creating a physical barrier between police and their subject ⬇️
15:59
🔴 PC JOINS ARMED OFFICERS IN PAY STATION
CCTV footage showed PC Marsden joining two colleagues who were pointing Tasers at three members of the public. Some of these individuals had been filming the preceding physical altercation ⬇️
14:57
🔴 "SENSE OF URGENCY" DURING ONGOING CONFLICT
The officer disagreed that he walked in with "purpose" in a negative sense, stating instead it was a "sense of urgency" while making his way toward what he described as an ongoing conflict ⬇️
14:55
🔴 FOOTAGE SHOWS OFFICER RETURNING TO SCENE
Jurors were shown footage of the pay station area depicting PC Marsden leaving for a brief period before returning. Defence counsel Imran Khan KC claimed the officer returned "with some purpose" ⬇️
14:53
🔴 TRIAL FOCUSES ON PAY STATION AFTERMATH
The court is now examining the events immediately following the initial struggle. PC Marsden remains in the witness box, facing questions about his conduct toward bystanders in the Manchester Airport car park ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER UNDERSTANDS BUT DISAGREES WITH DEFENCE
Responding to the allegation that he disregarded regulations, PC Marsden stated: "Ok, I disagree, but I understand what you are saying." He remained firm that his actions were a necessary response to the suspect's movements ⬇️
14:49
🔴 DENIAL OF "GRATUITOUS VIOLENCE"
PC Marsden flatly denied that his knee strike was an act of "gratuitous violence." He maintained that his primary objective throughout the struggle was to secure the suspect following the initial terminal altercation ⬇️
14:47
🔴 KNEE USED TO GAIN "IMMEDIATE CONTROL"
The officer justified the use of his knee by stating the suspect was "being pulled away" at a moment when he needed to establish immediate control. He argued the move was a tactical necessity to prevent the male from escaping ⬇️
14:45
🔴 PC ADMITS KNEE TO THE BACK
Under questioning from Imran Khan KC, PC Marsden confirmed he placed his left knee into the back of Mr Amaaz. He described the action as a method of "controlling his body" during the physical confrontation ⬇️
14:41
🔴 DEFENCE ALLEGATION: DISREGARD FOR THE LAW
Mr Khan suggested that PC Marsden showed a "complete disregard for the rule of law" and ignored police guidance and regulations. The officer listened to the submission before issuing a formal disagreement ⬇️
14:35
🔴 TACTICAL DECISIONS UNDER SCRUTINY
The cross-examination has turned to the specific mechanics of the restraint used on the floor. The defence is currently challenging the officer on the proportionality of each physical strike delivered in the car park ⬇️
14:21
🔴 PC MARSDEN CONTINUES UNDER CROSS-EXAMINATION
PC Zachary Marsden has returned to the witness box for the afternoon session. He continues to face questions from Imran Khan KC regarding the lawfulness of the force used against Mr Amaaz ⬇️
14:20
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER LUNCH BREAK
The trial has resumed at Liverpool Crown Court for the afternoon of Day Eight. The jury is seated as the court continues to hear evidence regarding the police intervention at Manchester Airport ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 8 - 22 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH
The court has adjourned for lunch. Proceedings are set to resume at 2:15pm, with PC Zachary Marsden expected to return to face further questions regarding the intervention at Manchester Airport ⬇️
13:03
🔴 "HOOKING" WIRE EXPLAINS STAMPING MOTION
PC Marsden told jurors his leg movement was an attempt to "hook" and pin his radio wire to the floor. He rejected the KC’s allegation that he was intentionally stamping on the defendant’s head ⬇️
12:59
🔴 OFFICER DENIES CAUSING BRUISE TO MOTHER
A photo of Mrs Akhtar showing a bruised cheek was presented to the court. PC Marsden denied causing the injury, though he admitted making contact with her while holding a Taser during the struggle ⬇️
12:55
🔴 PUSH VS STRIKE: OFFICER DEFINES INTENT
Addressing contact with the defendant's mother, Marsden argued there is a distinction between a push and a strike. He maintained he sought only to push her back as she was "interfering" with the arrest ⬇️
12:51
🔴 RADIO WIRE PINNED TO PREVENT SEIZURE
The officer testified he was "pre-empting" that Mr Amaaz might try to grab his radio. He claimed the downward motion of his foot was a tactical move to secure the wire rather than an assault ⬇️
12:47
🔴 JURORS EXAMINE TASER DEVICE AGAIN
The jury was shown the Taser as questioning focused on its use near bystanders. PC Marsden insisted his actions toward the suspect's mother were not "gratuitous violence" but a necessary clearance ⬇️
12:43
🔴 PC REJECTS "GRATUITOUS VIOLENCE" CLAIM
Imran Khan KC suggested the officer’s actions were an attempt to justify "gratuitous violence" meted out on the ground. PC Marsden flatly disagreed with this characterisation of his conduct ⬇️
12:39
🔴 KICK HARM DESCRIBED AS "SUBJECTIVE"
When asked if a kick to the face causes serious harm, PC Marsden replied that such an assessment is "subjective." He maintained his actions were controlled and based on professional experience ⬇️
12:38
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER MORNING BREAK
Proceedings have resumed at Liverpool Crown Court following a short recess. Defence barrister Imran Khan KC is continuing his intensive cross-examination of the lead police witness ⬇️
12:25
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR SHORT RECESS
The jury was sent out for a brief break in testimony. Before the pause, the court heard detailed arguments regarding the proportionality of the force used by officers in the car park ⬇️
12:23
🔴 KICK DESCRIBED AS "LIGHT PRESSURE"
PC Marsden defended the force used against the defendant’s head, describing it in his statement as "light pressure." He told the court this was in comparison to the full force he could have used ⬇️
12:21
🔴 OFFICER DISAGREES WITH KC ASSERTIONS
Imran Khan KC suggested the kick to the head was neither necessary nor reasonable. PC Marsden told the court he "completely disagreed" with the suggestion that his actions were disproportionate ⬇️
12:19
🔴 PC DENIES LOSING CONTROL IN ANGER
The defence alleged that PC Marsden had "lost control" and kicked out in anger during the melee. The officer rejected all such statements, maintaining he remained professional throughout ⬇️
12:13
🔴 FORCE DEFENDED AS LAWFUL AND PROPORTIONATE
PC Marsden denied his actions were "gratuitous and violent," insisting he used "lawful force" to effect the arrest of Mr Amaaz following the initial confrontation in the terminal ⬇️
🔴 "ENOUGH FORCE" TO STUN
The officer denied using "great force" when he kicked the defendant in the face. He told the jury he used just enough force to stun the subject and prevent him from getting back up off the floor ⬇️
11:47
🔴 KICKING POTENTIAL FOR HARM ADMITTED
PC Marsden agreed that kicking someone in the face has the potential to cause serious harm, depending on "variables." He described the move as a strike implemented specifically to stun the male ⬇️
11:43
🔴 SUSPECT DEEMED A "CREDIBLE THREAT"
While viewing footage of Mr Amaaz on the ground, the officer maintained he was still a "credible threat." He noted the man was not yet in handcuffs and had recently "choked and dragged" him to the floor ⬇️
11:41
🔴 GLOCK WAS VISIBLE TO DEFENDANT
PC Marsden told the court the defendant would have been able to see the Glock sidearm holstered on his person. He denied that the defendant had any reason to believe his brother was about to be shot ⬇️
11:37
🔴 MORTAL DANGER CLAIMS DISPUTED
The officer "disputed" the suggestion that Mr Amaaz believed his brother was in mortal danger. He rejected the defense's claim that the defendant acted in a necessary defense of his sibling ⬇️
11:35
🔴 DEFENCE: DEFENDANT FEARED BROTHER WOULD BE SHOT
Imran Khan KC stated his client believed his brother was about to be shot by the armed officers. The officer responded: "You can shoot a Taser, you can shoot a gun, you can even shoot a ball into a football net" ⬇️
11:33
🔴 PC REJECTS "ASSAULT" CHARACTERISATION
PC Marsden disagreed with the defense's assertion that he and PC Cook were "assaulting" the suspect's brother. He maintained the officers were carrying out a lawful arrest under difficult circumstances ⬇️
11:31
🔴 OFFICER DENIES RESPIRATORY RISK
Questioned on the dangers of forcing a suspect's head down, the PC said he was "nowhere near" the respiratory system. He told the court he did not agree with claims of inherent lethal risks in the maneuver ⬇️
11:29
🔴 PRESSURE APPLIED TO BACK OF NECK
The officer confirmed he continued to force the defendant's head down with his hand on the neck area. He maintained this was part of the process of gaining control over the struggling suspect ⬇️
11:27
🔴 NO OFFENSIVE VIOLENCE AT FIRST
PC Marsden acknowledged that the suspect "hadn't attacked me at that point" when asked about early offensive violence. However, he insisted the use of force was still lawful to effect the arrest ⬇️
11:25
🔴 DISPUTE OVER CLENCHED FISTS
The officer disagreed with a suggestion from the defense that Mr Amaaz did not have his fists clenched during the initial encounter. He maintained his perception of the suspect's physical stance ⬇️
11:23
🔴 PC DENIES "ATTACKING" DEFENDANT
PC Marsden flatly denied that he was "attacking" Mr Amaaz in the car park. He insisted to the jury that he was using "lawful force" as part of a professional police intervention ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER SHOWN PAY STATION CCTV
PC Marsden is currently being questioned while viewing CCTV footage of the pay station incident. The jury is watching the visual record as the defense scrutinizes the officer's physical actions and professional conduct ⬇️
11:15
🔴 ARREST NOTIFYING "NOT PRACTICAL"
The officer agreed with the defense that he believed it was "not practical" to inform Mr Amaaz he was under arrest at the moment of contact. He maintained this stance despite the policing code of practice stating suspects must be informed ⬇️
11:13
🔴 DEFENSE: INITIAL CONTACT WAS UNLAWFUL
Imran Khan KC recapped his client's case, submitting that PC Marsden acted unlawfully from the moment he first grabbed Mr Amaaz. The officer replied that he understood the defense's position as questioning continued ⬇️
11:11
🔴 POLICE CODE OF PRACTICE CHALLENGED
The court heard that the policing code of practice dictates arrested persons "must be informed" of their status. The defense is focusing on why this procedure was not followed during the initial intervention in the car park ⬇️
11:07
🔴 PC MARSDEN RESUMES EVIDENCE
PC Zachary Marsden is set to resume his testimony shortly. He has returned to the witness box to face a third day of questioning regarding the events at Manchester Airport ⬇️
11:05
🔴 THIRD DAY ON THE STAND
The jury was told that PC Marsden will spend a third day giving evidence. The officer has been under continuous questioning regarding his tactical decisions and the use of force during the struggle ⬇️
11:03
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION TO CONTINUE
Defense barrister Imran Khan KC, representing Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, will continue his cross-examination of the officer. The defense remains focused on the legality of the police intervention ⬇️
10:57
🔴 TRIAL DAY EIGHT COMMENCES
The trial has resumed for its eighth day at Liverpool Crown Court. The prosecution case continues as the jury returns to hear further testimony from the lead officer involved ⬇️
🔴 DAY EIGHT: JURY RETURNS TO COURT
Good morning we are now live again in Liverpool Crown Court. Jurors have returned for the eighth day of the Manchester Airport Attack retrial.
The two defendants are now present in the dock, again wearing suits, shirts, and ties, stay tuned my coverage will begin shortly⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 7 - 21 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TOMORROW
The jury has been sent home for the day at Liverpool Crown Court. Proceedings are scheduled to resume tomorrow morning at 11am with further evidence from PC Zachary Marsden ⬇️
16:31
🔴 GEORGE FLOYD COMPARISON REJECTED
PC Marsden told the court a comparison to the George Floyd case was "extreme" and had "no correspondence" to the incident. The comment followed defense questioning regarding the officer's physical contact with the suspect's head ⬇️
16:29
🔴 CCTV SHOWS HEAD GRAB
The jury was shown CCTV footage which appeared to depict PC Marsden grabbing Mr Amaaz around the head. The officer was invited to watch the clip during a tense exchange with defense barrister Imran Khan KC ⬇️
16:27
🔴 NO LEGAL OBLIGATION FOR IMMEDIATE NOTICE
PC Marsden testified that he was "not obliged to legally" inform the defendant he was being arrested at the exact moment of the physical struggle. He maintained that the tactical situation took priority ⬇️
16:25
🔴 SUSPECT "FORFEITED" OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK
The officer claimed the suspect had "forfeited the opportunity" to provide his side of the story in the pay station. PC Marsden cited the man's alleged violent actions at Starbucks earlier that day as the justification ⬇️
16:23
🔴 THREE OFFICERS GRABBED SUSPECT
PC Marsden noted that CCTV footage showed all three police officers had grabbed Mr Amaaz during the intervention. The footage was used to track the progression of the physical struggle in the car park ⬇️
16:21
🔴 OFFICER STANDS BY STARBUCKS INTEL
The witness repeated his stance that the suspect’s previous behavior at the terminal coffee shop dictated the police response. He argued this history justified the immediate physical control used by the officers ⬇️
16:19
🔴 DEFENSE CHALLENGES USE OF FORCE
The day concluded with intensive questioning regarding police procedure and the lawfulness of the arrest. PC Marsden remains in the witness box as the defense continues to challenge his actions ⬇️
🔴 "HUNDREDS OF TIMES": PC CITES CAREER EXPERIENCE
PC Marsden told the court he has seen violent individuals become violent again "hundreds of times" in his career. He testified that he was unwilling to "take the risk" of a repeat occurrence, justifying his immediate physical intervention ⬇️
16:15
🔴 "YOU DON'T HAVE TO" INFORM SUSPECT IMMEDIATELY
When challenged on why he didn't tell the suspect he was under arrest, PC Marsden replied: "Because you don't have to." He maintained that his priority was securing the male before delivering the formal caution ⬇️
16:13
🔴 DEFENCE CITES PACE ACT OVER ARREST RULES
Imran Khan KC highlighted the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which requires suspects to be told they are under arrest "as soon as practicable." The defense argued the power of arrest must be fully justified and used fairly ⬇️
16:11
🔴 OFFICER ADMITS PUSHING SUSPECT IN MELEE
PC Marsden accepted that he pushed the suspect toward the pay station while other officers attempted to secure him. He stated there was "good reason" for not immediately declaring the arrest during the physical struggle ⬇️
16:09
🔴 "NOT DOING THIS HERE": OFFICER'S VERBAL WARNING
The jury heard that PC Marsden told the suspect, “Come on, we’re not doing this here,” as the man began to resist. The officer admitted he had not formally announced his identity or the arrest at that specific moment ⬇️
16:07
🔴 SUSPECT "TENSED BICEP" AT FIRST CONTACT
The officer testified that the defendant "immediately tensed his bicep" the second his arm was grabbed. PC Marsden conceded that he had not yet informed the male he was under arrest when the physical resistance began ⬇️
16:05
🔴 ARMED OFFICERS IN CROWDS "ROUTINE" DUTY
Responding to claims he entered a crowd with a loaded firearm, PC Marsden stated this was a routine part of his duties. He told the jury that armed officers frequently operate in crowded airport environments ⬇️
16:03
🔴 "WANTED TO ESCAPE": PC JUSTIFIES ACTIONS
The officer insisted the suspect had "left the scene" at Starbucks and clearly "wanted to escape." He argued his tactical approach was dictated by the belief that the male was a violent individual attempting to flee ⬇️
16:01
🔴 "EXCUSE ME SIR" APPROACH REJECTED
Imran Khan KC suggested the officer could have simply said "excuse me sir" to address the assault claim. PC Marsden rejected this, stating he was operating under the belief that the suspect was violent and non-compliant ⬇️
15:59
🔴 OFFICER OPERATED UNDER "VIOLENT" BELIEF
The court heard PC Marsden approached the suspect believing he was dealing with a violent individual. He maintained that the suspect’s previous actions at Starbucks informed his decision to use a more direct approach ⬇️
15:57
🔴 POTENTIAL FOR NEW VIOLENCE CITED
"Someone who's been violent once may become violent again," PC Marsden told the jury. He testified that his experience with violent offenders led him to take immediate control to prevent further incidents ⬇️
15:55
🔴 PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITISED OVER DIALOGUE
While agreeing it was possible the male might not have become violent again, PC Marsden said he was not willing to take that gamble. He stated he did not want to put members of the public at risk in the car park ⬇️
15:53
🔴 PAY STATION ARREST DEEMED "UNSAFE"
The officer told the court it would have been "unsafe" and against police policy to carry out an arrest inside the crowded pay station. He argued that policy dictates moving suspects to a more controlled area ⬇️
15:51
🔴 PC COOK DEFENDED AS "COMPETENT"
PC Marsden defended his colleague, PC Cook, describing her as a "competent officer" who "knows her job." He maintained that his trust in his fellow armed officers was central to his tactical decisions ⬇️
15:49
🔴 DEFENCE CHALLENGES TEAM COORDINATION
Imran Khan KC suggested that PC Marsden’s colleagues were unaware of his plan to move the suspect outside. The officer replied that he could not account for the specific thoughts or decisions of other officers ⬇️
15:47
🔴 CCTV AND BODY-CAM FOOTAGE REVIEWED
The jury was invited to watch body-worn camera footage and pay station CCTV. The footage captured the moment officers approached the suspects and the beginning of the physical altercation ⬇️
15:45
🔴 OFFICER CHALLENGED ON TACTICAL DECISIONS
Under cross-examination, PC Marsden was asked to explain why he didn't coordinate more closely with his team. He stated he expected his colleagues to follow the same standard police policies for crowded areas ⬇️
15:43
🔴 ARREST IN PAY STATION "AGAINST POLICY"
The officer testified that carrying out an arrest in the pay station would have been a breach of standard policy. He maintained that the decision to remove the suspect first was a safety requirement ⬇️
15:31
🔴 DEFENCE ALLEGATION: "SHOCKING DERELICTION OF DUTY"
Imran Khan KC suggested it was a "dangerous" failure for PC Marsden not to verify his colleagues’ arrest strategy. The officer replied that he trained with his team daily and trusted them to reach the same tactical conclusions in crowded areas ⬇️
15:09
🔴 STRATEGY TO ARREST SUSPECT OUTSIDE
PC Marsden testified that upon seeing the suspect, he decided to remove the man from the pay station and arrest him outside. He told the jury that police guidance generally advises against carrying out arrests within large crowds ⬇️
15:07
🔴 THREAT ONLY IDENTIFIED DURING ATTACK
The officer told the court that the defendant only became a visible threat "when he was on top of me punching me." PC Marsden defended his initial approach, denying that he had put himself or his fellow officers in unnecessary danger ⬇️
15:05
🔴 IDENTIFYING ONE OF 100,000 PASSENGERS
PC Marsden argued that without a name and date of birth, it was impossible to ascertain specific details about the suspect. He noted the man was just one of 100,000 passengers traveling through the airport that day ⬇️
15:03
🔴 GLOCK RISKS CALLED "CATASTROPHIC"
Defense counsel suggested it could be "catastrophic" to enter a situation with a Glock sidearm without more information. The KC argued that knowing the suspect’s identity would have established a proper assessment of risk ⬇️
15:49
🔴 OFFICER CLARIFIES ARREST INTENT
PC Marsden addressed a discrepancy in his witness statement regarding his intent to "speak" to the suspect. He told the jury he had meant to state that he intended to remove the suspect specifically to carry out an arrest ⬇️
14:41
🔴 PC DESCRIBES "HORRIFIC HEADBUTT" ON CCTV
While watching footage of the defendant walking away, PC Marsden described the preceding incident as a "horrific headbutt." He accepted that the footage shows the man walking, despite initial reports that he had run ⬇️
14:39
🔴 NO "LUXURY" OF TIME FOR QUESTIONS
The officer told the jury it was "time critical" to locate the suspect and perform their duties. He stated he did not have the luxury of time to ask the police control room further questions before moving to the car park ⬇️
14:37
🔴 ARMED POLICE AVOID RUNNING IN PUBLIC
PC Marsden explained that he did not run toward the scene because he was an armed officer. He testified that running can "instil fear" in the public and is typically reserved for "code zero" or life-and-death situations ⬇️
14:35
🔴 CHILD COMPANION WOULD HAVE AIDED ASSESSMENT
The witness agreed that knowing the suspect was walking with a child would have been helpful for his risk assessment. However, he maintained that the information he received at the time indicated the suspect was in flight ⬇️
14:33
🔴 OFFICER MISSED UPDATES WHILE BEING ATTACKED
PC Marsden told the jury he did not hear radio updates stating the suspect was walking rather than running. "I was being attacked by your clients so I never heard the updates," the officer testified during cross-examination ⬇️
14:31
🔴 DENIAL OF LYING REGARDING SUSPECT’S SPEED
The officer flatly denied suggestions that he had lied about the suspect running away. He pointed to the "traumatic" nature of the incident two years ago as a factor in the specifics of his recollection ⬇️
14:29
🔴 RADIO LOGS RECORD SUSPECT WALKING
Audio played in court from the police control room described an Asian male in a tracksuit "walking" toward the car park. PC Marsden identified his own voice on the recording but said he could not hear his specific words ⬇️
14:27
🔴 TRAUMA CONTEXT FOR TWO-YEAR-OLD EVENTS
Pressed on his memory of the day, PC Marsden reminded the court that the events occurred two years ago. He described the confrontation at the Manchester Airport car park as a "traumatic incident" affecting his recall ⬇️
14:25
🔴 SOURCE OF "RUN OFF" INTEL IDENTIFIED
The court heard that PC Marsden was told the suspect had "run off" by both the alleged victim, Mr Ismaeil, and a member of the public. This information formed the basis of his pursuit to the pay station ⬇️
14:23
🔴 POLICE ROLES AGREED BEFORE INTERVENTION
The jury was told that PC Cook and PC Marsden agreed on their roles before the arrest attempt. While PC Cook initially offered to arrest, Marsden took the lead, with Cook agreed to convey the suspect ⬇️
14:21
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION CONTINUES AFTER LUNCH
The trial has resumed for the afternoon session with PC Zachary Marsden back in the witness box. Defense barrister Imran Khan KC continues to question the officer on behalf of the defendant, Mr Amaaz ⬇️
14:19
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
Jurors have returned to their seats as the prosecution case continues. The focus remains on the police's initial response to reports of an altercation in Terminal 2 and the subsequent tactical decisions ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 7 - 21 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH BREAK
The court has adjourned for lunch. Proceedings are scheduled to resume at 2:10pm, with PC Zachary Marsden set to continue his evidence under cross-examination by the defense ⬇️
13:15
🔴 TRAUMA AFFECTED STATEMENT DETAILS
PC Marsden told the court he provided information in his statement following a "traumatic incident." He addressed suggestions that some details regarding the source of his intelligence might be inaccurate ⬇️
13:13
🔴 CCTV SHOWS APPROACH TO STARBUCKS
Jurors were invited to watch CCTV footage of PC Marsden approaching the Starbucks in Terminal 2. The officer recalled receiving initial details about the suspect from a man behind a wooden barrier ⬇️
13:11
🔴 COOPERATION DEEMED UNLIKELY BY POLICE
Based on professional experience, PC Marsden believed the suspect would not cooperate. He argued that the fact the male had fled the scene suggested a verbal approach would be ineffective ⬇️
13:09
🔴 DEFENSE SUGGESTS SPEAKING TO MALE
Imran Khan KC suggested that speaking to the male was a viable option available to the officer. PC Marsden countered that the report of the suspect running to the car park dictated his response ⬇️
13:07
🔴 ARREST PLAN WAS "LOOSELY" COORDINATED
The court heard the arrest was "planned very loosely" between three officers. PC Marsden admitted he was not certain if he had informed one colleague, PC Cook, of his specific intention to make the arrest ⬇️
13:05
🔴 OFFICERS DID NOT SHARE STATEMENTS
PC Marsden confirmed that none of the officers involved in the incident shared the contents of their witness statements with one another. He maintained the independence of his account ⬇️
13:03
🔴 RE-READ STATEMENT SATISFIES OFFICER
After reviewing his initial statement in court, PC Marsden told the jury he was satisfied with its contents. He denied that the document was an attempt to cover professional failings ⬇️
13:01
🔴 POTENTIAL FOR "MIXED UP" NAMES
The officer acknowledged he might have "mixed up" the names of his attackers in the hours following the event. He attributed any such errors to the physical and emotional impact of the trauma ⬇️
12:59
🔴 FOCUS ON LOCATING FLEEING SUSPECT
PC Marsden told the jury his primary focus was to find and arrest the suspect before he could escape. He justified the speed of his actions as necessary to prevent the male from leaving the airport ⬇️
12:57
🔴 VICTIM’S INJURIES MASKED BY FACIAL HAIR
The officer explained why he didn't check the alleged victim's injuries more thoroughly. He noted the man had his hand over his mouth and facial hair, which he claimed could have hidden any visible marks ⬇️
12:55
🔴 DEFENSE HIGHLIGHTS LACK OF RISK ASSESSMENT
Imran Khan KC suggested that as an armed officer, Marsden should have obtained more information for a risk assessment. The officer agreed he could have asked more questions but prioritized the chase ⬇️
12:53
🔴 REPORT OF HEADBUTT TRIGGERED SEARCH
PC Marsden testified that he was told a man in a blue tracksuit had headbutted someone on a plane and fled. This specific intelligence led him to search the car park for the suspect ⬇️
12:51
🔴 INITIAL REPORT SUGGESTED TWO-SIDED FIGHT
The officer agreed that the initial report from Starbucks mentioned a "fight" between males. He acknowledged the report suggested there were two sides to the altercation ⬇️
12:49
🔴 FORCE DEEMED "NECESSARY AND REASONABLE"
"I completely disagree," said PC Marsden when it was suggested his use of force was unnecessary and unreasonable. He maintained his actions were a proportionate response to the threat ⬇️
12:47
🔴 DENIAL OF ASSAULTING BYSTANDER
The officer denied allegations that he assaulted a bystander in the pay station during the melee. He rejected the defense's characterization of his conduct as falling below professional standards ⬇️
12:45
🔴 OFFICER DENIES STRIKING MOTHER WITH TASER
Imran Khan KC accused PC Marsden of assaulting the suspect's mother by striking her with a Taser using unlawful force. The officer flatly disagreed with this version of events ⬇️
12:43
🔴 KNEEING AND STAMPING ALLEGATIONS REJECTED
The defense suggested the officer kneed Mr Amaaz in the back and stamped on his head with unlawful force. PC Marsden disagreed with all points put to him during the cross-examination ⬇️
12:41
🔴 DEFENSE CASE: ACTING IN SELF-DEFENCE
Imran Khan KC argued that Fahir Amaaz was forced to defend himself and his brother from unlawful police force. The defense claims the officers' conduct fell below professional standards ⬇️
12:39
🔴 PC MARSDEN BACK IN THE WITNESS BOX
Following the break, PC Marsden returned to the stand to face cross-examination. He is currently being questioned about the tactical decisions made in the lead-up to the car park struggle ⬇️
12:37
🔴 ALLEGATION OF FAILED INTELLIGENCE GATHERING
The KC suggested the officer failed to gather appropriate intelligence or assess the threat properly. PC Marsden disagreed with the assertion that he had failed to develop a working strategy ⬇️
12:35
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION BY IMRAN KHAN KC
Imran Khan KC, representing Mr Amaaz, has begun his questioning of PC Marsden. The defense is focusing on the officer's adherence to police training and professional standards ⬇️
11:33
🔴 BREAK IN PROCEEDINGS
The jury has been sent out for a short break on day seven of the trial. PC Zachary Marsden has completed a significant portion of his evidence regarding the physical confrontation and his resulting medical condition ⬇️
11:31
🔴 DIAGNOSED WITH POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME
The court heard PC Marsden was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome caused by repeated head trauma and neck strain. He reported symptoms of insomnia, poor concentration, dizziness, and slow motor skills following the incident ⬇️
11:29
🔴 OFFICER SUFFERED SLOWED SPEECH
Beyond physical pain, the officer described lasting neurological effects. He told the jury he suffered from slow speech and had difficulty finding the words he wanted to use, attributing these issues to the blows received during the struggle ⬇️
11:27
🔴 HOSPITAL RECORDS SHOW HEAD BRUISING
At Wythenshawe Hospital, medical teams recorded a bruise to the left side of the officer's head. He also reported a "throbbing" headache and an inability to touch the bruised area due to extreme sensitivity ⬇️
11:25
🔴 SEVERE JAW INJURIES REPORTED
A paramedic noted that PC Marsden suffered from significant jaw pain and was unable to fully open his mouth. This was corroborated by emergency medical staff during a hospital visit at 3:00 AM the following morning ⬇️
11:23
🔴 OFFICER BLAMES DEFENDANTS FOR INJURIES
PC Marsden told the jury that his injuries, including scratches and redness behind his ears and neck, were the direct result of the attack. He sought medical attention at multiple hospitals to document the trauma ⬇️
11:19
🔴 KICK HAD "DESIRED EFFECT"
The officer agreed that the kick to the face changed the suspect's behavior. PC Marsden noted a shift in Mr Amaaz’s demeanour following the strike, which allowed the officers to move toward taking control of the scene ⬇️
11:19
🔴 DENIAL OF ANGER OR REVENGE
When questioned by the prosecution, the officer denied acting out of anger. He maintained his goal was to "subdue the threat" and prevent the radio wire from being used as leverage to pull him back during the melee ⬇️
11:19
🔴 ATTEMPT TO PIN RADIO WIRE
The officer explained a stamping motion seen on footage. He told jurors his intention was to pin the radio wire to the floor with his foot, preventing the suspect from grabbing the device or using it against him ⬇️
11:19
🔴 FEAR OF RADIO BEING USED AS LEVERAGE
PC Marsden testified that he feared the suspect would use the radio wire to pull him towards him. He said this was a tactic he had encountered previously in his career and he wanted to secure the device to call for help ⬇️
11:19
🔴 NO INTENTION TO STAMP ON MALE
The witness explicitly denied that he intended to stamp on Mr Amaaz. He told the court the physical move was purely tactical to secure his equipment and that he did not believe the stamp made contact with the suspect ⬇️
11:09
🔴 PC KICKED SUSPECT IN THE FACE
The officer admitted to kicking the suspect in the facial region with his right foot as the man tried to get off the floor. He confirmed the move after it was suggested by the prosecution during questioning ⬇️
11:09
🔴 KICK INTENDED TO STUN SUSPECT
PC Marsden argued the kick was a necessary tactic to stun the male. He believed this would provide "moments" to prevent the suspect from getting back up and allow the police to re-establish control of the situation ⬇️
11:09
🔴 FIRST TIME KICKING A SUSPECT
The officer told the jury that in his entire police career, he had never before kicked anyone in the face. He described the action as a response to what he deemed to be a "great threat" in the room ⬇️
11:09
🔴 DENIAL OF RETRIBUTION
Asked if the kick was an act of revenge for the earlier assault, PC Marsden said "No." He insisted the strike was a professional decision intended to subdue the suspect so he could be safely handcuffed ⬇️
11:09
🔴 DOING NOTHING WAS "NOT AN OPTION"
The officer testified that waiting to see what the suspect would do was not a realistic choice. He told the jury he feared that if he did nothing, the suspect would simply get up and launch another attack ⬇️
10:59
🔴 TASER EMPTY DURING STRUGGLE
PC Marsden discovered his Taser was useless during the confrontation. He told the court that a previous punch from behind had caused the device to fire into the floor, leaving it empty of cartridges ⬇️
10:59
🔴 OFFICER NEAR PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION
The jury heard that PC Marsden felt he was near the end of his physical endurance. He stated he did not believe he could have sustained any further punches or blows from the suspects at that stage ⬇️
10:59
🔴 FIREARM DEPLOYMENT RULED OUT
Despite the danger, the officer told the court he decided against using his gun. He stated his "whole purpose" was to avoid fatal injury to the suspect, leading him to rule out his lethal weapon ⬇️
10:59
🔴 PAVA AND BATON TACTICS REJECTED
PC Marsden explained why he didn't use other kit. He viewed PAVA as a mere "irritant" that was too slow, and felt a baton would take too long to prepare against a "large muscular man" ⬇️
10:59
🔴 RELOADING TASER WAS TOO RISKY
The officer told the court that attempting to reload the Taser with a new cartridge would have been dangerous. He believed the pause would have given the suspect another clear opportunity to attack him ⬇️
10:49
🔴 SHOUTING VERBAL COMMANDS
PC Marsden recalled shouting orders for the man on the floor to "stay down." He testified that he pointed his Taser at the individual while commanding him not to get back up off the floor ⬇️
10:49
🔴 SUSPECT FAILED TO COMPLY
The jury heard that the suspect did not follow the officer's verbal commands. PC Marsden noted the man's chest was rising off the floor, which he interpreted as a sign of non-compliance ⬇️
10:49
🔴 FEAR ATTACK WOULD CONTINUE
The officer testified that he believed the suspect was about to "continue another attack." This belief was based on the suspect's physical movements and his refusal to stay on the ground as ordered ⬇️
🔴 HANDCUFFS WERE THE FINAL GOAL
PC Marsden told the jury his original intention was to use his Taser to keep the male on the ground. Once control was established, he planned to place the suspect in handcuffs to conclude the arrest ⬇️
10:33
🔴 EMERGENCY RED BUTTON FAILED
The officer confirmed he eventually pressed the red emergency button on his radio during the aftermath. However, PC Marsden testified that the device did not work at the time ⬇️
10:31
🔴 FIRST EMERGENCY PRESS OF CAREER
The jury heard that in his entire career, PC Marsden had never previously pressed the red emergency button. He reached for it at the pay station to "shout for help" during the struggle ⬇️
10:29
🔴 OFFICER BLINDED WITHOUT GLASSES
Still images shown in court depict the officer without his spectacles. PC Marsden testified he did not know where they were and was unable to put them back on at that stage of the incident ⬇️
10:27
🔴 "INTENT ON CAUSING MOST HARM"
PC Marsden told the court he believed the man was intent on causing the "most harm possible." He described the individual as the greatest threat to himself and others in the car park ⬇️
10:25
🔴 OFFICER CLAIMS HE WAS BEING CHOKED
The officer told jurors he firmly believed the suspect was trying to choke and incapacitate him. He stated the man had not finished his attack despite the ongoing police intervention ⬇️
10:23
🔴 NO "TASER" WARNING HEARD
PC Marsden testified that he did not hear a colleague shouting "Taser Taser Taser" during the melee. He remained focused on the physical struggle as he attempted to regain his footing ⬇️
10:21
🔴 OFFICER THOUGHT SUSPECT WAS WINDED
The officer was unaware that Mr Amaaz had been successfully Tasered at one point. PC Marsden told the jury he believed the male was simply "winded" and was actively trying to get back up ⬇️
10:19
🔴 BODY-CAM CABLE "PULLED OUT"
The jury heard that PC Marsden’s body-worn camera recording "cuts out" during the incident. The officer alleged that Mr Amaaz pulled the cable from the device while attacking him from behind ⬇️
10:17
🔴 OFFICER UNAWARE OF CAR PARK CCTV
PC Marsden told the court he had "no knowledge" that the pay station area was covered by CCTV prior to the event. He had assumed his own body-worn camera would be the primary record ⬇️
10:13
🔴 SECOND DAY IN THE WITNESS BOX
PC Zachary Marsden is spending his second day in the witness box as the prosecution continues its questioning. The officer is being asked to dissect still images of the confrontation ⬇️
10:11
🔴 DAY SEVEN: JURY RETURNS TO COURT
Good morning from Liverpool Crown Court. Jurors have returned for the seventh day of the trial. The two defendants are present in the dock wearing suits, shirts, and ties ⬇️
16:35
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TUESDAY
Proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court have finished for the day. Judge Neil Flewitt KC has sent the jury home, with the trial set to resume at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning for further evidence from PC Zachary Marsden ⬇️
16:23
🔴 "GRAVE THREAT": OFFICER CLAIMS HE WAS CHOKED
On the floor, PC Marsden says he felt a "continuous force" around his neck and believed he was being choked. He told the jury he felt the risk to his life had "massively increased" and he was facing a grave threat from his attacker ⬇️
16:23
🔴 KNUCKLEDUSTER FEAR AS OFFICER HITS FLOOR
A "sharp" punch to the temple sent the officer to the ground. PC Marsden testified the impact felt different from other blows, leading him to believe the attacker may have been using a weapon like a knuckleduster during the struggle ⬇️
16:23
🔴 UP TO 20 BLOWS RAINED DOWN ON OFFICER
PC Marsden claims Muhammad Amaad punched him repeatedly during the struggle. The officer estimated he was struck between 15 and 20 times with "great force" as he tried to defend himself at the car park pay station ⬇️
16:23
🔴 PUNCHED FROM BEHIND DURING TASER ATTEMPT
As he prepared a second Taser shot, PC Marsden was struck in the temple from behind. He identified the attacker as the "man in the blue tracksuit," Fahir Amaaz, who delivered the blow with significant force to the officer's head ⬇️
16:23
🔴 TASER FIRED AT AMAAD AS STRUGGLE ESCALATED
The officer told jurors he successfully fired his Taser at Muhammad Amaad. While the barbs hit the suspect's chest area, PC Marsden noted that the device failed to incapacitate him, and the physical struggle continued ⬇️
16:19
🔴 "DISARM" ATTEMPT AS AMAAD LUNGED FOR TASER
As the officer prepared to fire, he claims Amaad lunged to grab the Taser with both hands. PC Marsden told jurors he had to pull back with as much force as possible to maintain control of the weapon and prevent being disarmed ⬇️
16:19
🔴 OFFICER MOVED ARM TO PROTECT WEAPONS
During the flurry of blows, PC Marsden moved his arm protectively to secure his equipment. He told the court he was focused on keeping his firearms and Taser away from the reaching hands of the suspect during the melee ⬇️
16:19
🔴 EQUIPMENT GRABBED FROM OFFICER’S CHEST
PC Marsden felt someone grab at his tactical kit during the attack. He reported that his Taser and Carbine magazine—bullets for a weapon he did not have that day—were targeted by the suspects at the pay station ⬇️
16:17
🔴 "PROTECT LIVES, NOT TAKE THEM": FIREARM RESTRAINT
PC Marsden explained why he didn't use his Glock: "I joined this job to protect lives, not take it away." He told the court he would exhaust every other possible option before ever resorting to a lethal weapon ⬇️
16:17
🔴 BATON AND STRIKES RULED OUT BY OFFICER
The witness described feeling unable to fight off the suspect due to his size and intent. He considered using a baton or further physical strikes but concluded they would be ineffective or unrealistic under the pressure ⬇️
16:17
🔴 PAVA SPRAY DEEMED UNREALISTIC OPTION
Facing "immense pressure" on his head, PC Marsden considered using PAVA spray to deter his attackers. However, he told the jury he decided against it, believing it might not be effective given the condensed nature of the crowd ⬇️
16:17
🔴 OFFICER FEARED FALLING UNCONSCIOUS
Being attacked by "at least two" people, PC Marsden told jurors he worried he might black out from the strikes. He felt immense pressure on his head and reported being temporarily unable to hear or see clearly ⬇️
16:17
🔴 TWO ATTACKERS IDENTIFIED IN MELEE
PC Marsden stated he was being attacked by at least two people simultaneously. He told the jury he believed his colleagues were fully engaged with the initial arrest and that nobody from the crowd was coming to help ⬇️
15:49
🔴 VISION LOST AS GLASSES PUNCHED OFF
The court heard PC Marsden is severely short-sighted and cannot see beyond arm's length without glasses. His spectacles were "punched off almost immediately," leaving him effectively blind during the peak of the violence ⬇️
15:49
🔴 POLICE RADIO KNOCKED OUT BY BLOWS
The jury heard that the officer's team radio was also punched out at the start of the struggle. This left him isolated and unable to communicate with his team while he was being assaulted by the suspects ⬇️
15:49
🔴 HARDEST PUNCHES OF OFFICER'S CAREER
PC Marsden described the severity of the assault, telling jurors the blows were the hardest he had ever received. He claimed Muhammad Amaad used both hands to rain down punches on his head with extreme force ⬇️
15:49
🔴 "TERRIFIED": NO ASSISTANCE FROM THE CROWD
"I was terrified—I couldn't stop it," the officer said. He told the jury that despite the intensity of the violence, nobody from the surrounding crowd moved to assist the police while he was being beaten on the seating ⬇️
15:47
🔴 "FORCED BACK": OFFICER LANDS ON SEATING
The struggle moved to the seating area after the officer was thrown back. PC Marsden testified he could not stop the momentum as he was forced onto the benches while the suspect grabbed his body armour ⬇️
15:47
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES: OFFICER DESCRIBES FAILED STRIKE
The afternoon session began with PC Marsden describing his attempts to create distance. He admitted to the jury that a strike attempt to push the subject back failed to connect just before he was grabbed and assaulted ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 6 - 20 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
16:27
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL TUESDAY
Proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court have finished for the day. Judge Neil Flewitt KC has sent the jury home, with the trial set to resume at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning for further evidence from PC Zachary Marsden ⬇️
16:25
🔴 "GRAVE THREAT": OFFICER CLAIMS HE WAS CHOKED
On the floor, PC Marsden says he felt a "continuous force" around his neck and believed he was being choked. He told the jury he felt the risk to his life had "massively increased" and he was facing a grave threat from his attacker ⬇️
16:23
🔴 KNUCKLEDUSTER FEAR AS OFFICER HITS FLOOR
A "sharp" punch to the temple sent the officer to the ground. PC Marsden testified the impact felt different from other blows, leading him to believe the attacker may have been using a weapon like a knuckleduster during the struggle ⬇️
16:21
🔴 UP TO 20 BLOWS RAINED DOWN ON OFFICER
PC Marsden claims Muhammad Amaad punched him repeatedly during the struggle. The officer estimated he was struck between 15 and 20 times with "great force" as he tried to defend himself at the car park pay station ⬇️
16:19
🔴 PUNCHED FROM BEHIND DURING TASER ATTEMPT
As he prepared a second Taser shot, PC Marsden was struck in the temple from behind. He identified the attacker as the "man in the blue tracksuit," Fahir Amaaz, who delivered the blow with significant force to the officer's head ⬇️
16:17
🔴 TASER FIRED AT AMAAD AS STRUGGLE ESCALATED
The officer told jurors he successfully fired his Taser at Muhammad Amaad. While the barbs hit the suspect's chest area, PC Marsden noted that the device failed to incapacitate him, and the physical struggle continued ⬇️
16:15
🔴 "DISARM" ATTEMPT AS AMAAD LUNGED FOR TASER
As the officer prepared to fire, he claims Amaad lunged to grab the Taser with both hands. PC Marsden told jurors he had to pull back with as much force as possible to maintain control of the weapon and prevent being disarmed ⬇️
16:13
🔴 OFFICER MOVED ARM TO PROTECT WEAPONS
During the flurry of blows, PC Marsden moved his arm protectively to secure his equipment. He told the court he was focused on keeping his firearms and Taser away from the reaching hands of the suspect during the melee ⬇️
16:11
🔴 EQUIPMENT GRABBED FROM OFFICER’S CHEST
PC Marsden felt someone grab at his tactical kit during the attack. He reported that his Taser and Carbine magazine—bullets for a weapon he did not have that day—were targeted by the suspects at the pay station ⬇️
16:09
🔴 "PROTECT LIVES, NOT TAKE THEM": FIREARM RESTRAINT
PC Marsden explained why he didn't use his Glock: "I joined this job to protect lives, not take it away." He told the court he would exhaust every other possible option before ever resorting to a lethal weapon ⬇️
16:07
🔴 BATON AND STRIKES RULED OUT BY OFFICER
The witness described feeling unable to fight off the suspect due to his size and intent. He considered using a baton or further physical strikes but concluded they would be ineffective or unrealistic under the pressure ⬇️
16:05
🔴 PAVA SPRAY DEEMED UNREALISTIC OPTION
Facing "immense pressure" on his head, PC Marsden considered using PAVA spray to deter his attackers. However, he told the jury he decided against it, believing it might not be effective given the condensed nature of the crowd ⬇️
16:03
🔴 OFFICER FEARED FALLING UNCONSCIOUS
Being attacked by "at least two" people, PC Marsden told jurors he worried he might black out from the strikes. He felt immense pressure on his head and reported being temporarily unable to hear or see clearly ⬇️
16:01
🔴 TWO ATTACKERS IDENTIFIED IN MELEE
PC Marsden stated he was being attacked by at least two people simultaneously. He told the jury he believed his colleagues were fully engaged with the initial arrest and that nobody from the crowd was coming to help ⬇️
15:59
🔴 VISION LOST AS GLASSES PUNCHED OFF
The court heard PC Marsden is severely short-sighted and cannot see beyond arm's length without glasses. His spectacles were "punched off almost immediately," leaving him effectively blind during the peak of the violence ⬇️
15:57
🔴 POLICE RADIO KNOCKED OUT BY BLOWS
The jury heard that the officer's team radio was also punched out at the start of the struggle. This left him isolated and unable to communicate with his team while he was being assaulted by the suspects ⬇️
15:55
🔴 HARDEST PUNCHES OF OFFICER'S CAREER
PC Marsden described the severity of the assault, telling jurors the blows were the hardest he had ever received. He claimed Muhammad Amaad used both hands to rain down punches on his head with extreme force ⬇️
15:53
🔴 "TERRIFIED": NO ASSISTANCE FROM THE CROWD
"I was terrified—I couldn't stop it," the officer said. He told the jury that despite the intensity of the violence, nobody from the surrounding crowd moved to assist the police while he was being beaten on the seating ⬇️
15:51
🔴 "FORCED BACK": OFFICER LANDS ON SEATING
The struggle moved to the seating area after the officer was thrown back. PC Marsden testified he could not stop the momentum as he was forced onto the benches while the suspect grabbed his body armour ⬇️
15:49
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES: OFFICER DESCRIBES FAILED STRIKE
The afternoon session began with PC Marsden describing his attempts to create distance. He admitted to the jury that a strike attempt to push the subject back failed to connect just before he was grabbed and assaulted ⬇️
15:36
🔴 JURY DISMISSED FOR AFTERNOON BREAK
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has called a short recess in the trial. The jury has left Court 41. Proceedings will resume shortly with PC Zachary Marsden continuing his evidence regarding the car park struggle ⬇️
15:35
🔴 ELBOW STRIKE HAD "ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT"
PC Marsden testified that his defensive strike failed to deter the second male. Despite connecting with the man's face, the officer told the jury the blow seemed to have no impact on the individual, who continued to exert pressure ⬇️
15:33
🔴 OFFICER STRUCK UNKNOWN MAN IN THE FACE
In an attempt to create distance, PC Marsden delivered an elbow strike to the person behind him. He told the court there was no "intended area of delivery" but believed he connected with the face before being able to turn around ⬇️
15:31
🔴 ASSAILANT DESCRIBED AS "MUCH TALLER" THAN OFFICER
After turning to face the person who grabbed him, PC Marsden noted the individual was of much larger body mass than himself. He told jurors the person was significantly taller, presenting a physical challenge during the struggle ⬇️
15:29
🔴 MARSDEN BROKE GRIP OF UNKNOWN MALE
The officer described the moment he managed to free himself from the person behind him. PC Marsden told the jury he "pulled back as hard as he could" to break the grip on his right arm and regain control of his movements ⬇️
15:27
🔴 HAND GRABBED OFFICER'S ARM DURING STRUGGLE
As the chaos escalated at the pay station, PC Marsden felt a hand grab his right arm. He told the court he was forced to react instinctively to prevent himself from being pinned or losing control of his equipment ⬇️
15:25
🔴 LOADED GLOCK MOVED ACROSS OFFICER'S LEG
PC Marsden gave a chilling account of feeling his firearm being "pushed and moved" during the melee. He told the jury he could feel the pressure of an unknown person's hand against his holster where his loaded Glock 17 was kept ⬇️
15:23
🔴 POLICE FEARED FIREARM SNATCH ATTEMPT
The officer testified that his main concern during the struggle was ensuring no one grabbed his gun. He told jurors he was thinking: "I need to make sure whoever is pushing against me is not trying to grab my firearms" ⬇️
15:21
🔴 "IMMENSE PRESSURE" FELT DURING PAY STATION ATTACK
While attempting to control the first suspect, PC Marsden was suddenly grabbed from behind. He described the "immense pressure" of someone pushing against him, forcing him forward into the condensed crowd ⬇️
15:19
🔴 OFFICER APPREHENDED FROM BEHIND BY UNKNOWN PERSON
The court heard that an unknown individual intervened as PC Marsden held the suspect. The officer testified he was apprehended from behind by someone willing to use force to help the suspect escape the police ⬇️
15:17
🔴 POLICE AT "GREAT RISK" AS CROWD INTERVENES
PC Marsden told jurors the officers were in significant danger as individuals used physical force to obstruct the arrest. He stated the risk was high because people were actively helping the male evade the police ⬇️
15:15
🔴 SUSPECT MADE "EVERY EFFORT" TO FIGHT POLICE HOLD
The court heard that Mr Amaaz offered significant resistance to the officers' attempts to secure him. PC Marsden stated the suspect made "every effort" to fight the police hold and resist being moved toward the exit ⬇️
15:13
🔴 TACTIC FAILED TO UNLOCK SUSPECT'S FISTS
The officer's attempt to force Mr Amaaz's arms to unlock was unsuccessful. PC Marsden told the jury the suspect continued to resist with clenched fists, despite the officer's use of a "balance offset" technique ⬇️
15:11
🔴 HEAD PUSHED DOWN TO CREATE "BALANCE OFFSET"
PC Marsden explained his physical tactics to the jury. He testified that he pushed the suspect's head down to disrupt his balance, intending to force the man's arms to unlock from a defensive, clenched position ⬇️
15:09
🔴 OFFICER FEARED RISK TO LETHAL WEAPONS
PC Marsden described the situation as a "great risk" due to the proximity of the crowd and the presence of loaded firearms. He told the jury that controlling the suspect's movement was essential to prevent any struggle near the officers' weapons ⬇️
15:07
🔴 CONTROLLING SUSPECT IN "BENT OVER" POSITION
The court heard that PC Marsden attempted to gain control by focusing on the suspect's head. He testified that he pushed the male forward into a "bent over position" to limit his mobility and prevent the escalation of violence ⬇️
15:05
🔴 MARSDEN'S WARNING: "WE ARE NOT DOING THAT"
As the struggle began, PC Marsden recalled giving a clear verbal warning to the suspect. He told jurors he said, "we are not doing that," specifically referring to the suspect’s physical resistance and the brewing struggle at the pay station ⬇️
15:03
🔴 ELEMENT OF SURPRISE USED IN APPROACH
When asked why officers did not identify themselves immediately, PC Marsden said it provided a "tactical advantage." He told the court that the element of surprise was a deliberate choice before placing his hands on the suspect’s arm ⬇️
15:01
🔴 SUSPECT "IMMEDIATELY TENSED" AND CLENCHED FIST
PC Marsden testified that as soon as he took hold of the suspect’s arm, the man immediately tensed up. He told the jury the suspect clenched his hand into a fist, which the officer interpreted as a sign that violence was imminent ⬇️
14:59
🔴 OFFICERS OPERATE ON "DAILY EXPERIENCE"
Asked if he discussed the arrest plan with his colleagues, PC Marsden said he couldn't recall a specific conversation. He told the jury that while discussion is helpful, the team works so closely daily that they operate effectively without it ⬇️
14:57
🔴 REASON FOR MOVING SUSPECT OUTSIDE
Moving the suspect outside was intended to ensure a clear line of sight with other police units at Starbucks. PC Marsden also noted that it would provide a better radio connection and a calmer environment to explain the arrest ⬇️
14:55
🔴 ESCORT TACTIC USED "HUNDREDS OF TIMES"
The jury heard that PC Marsden used the "two point escort position," a standard hold on the wrist and arm. The officer stated he had received specific training for this tactic and had successfully utilized it hundreds of times in his career ⬇️
14:53
🔴 DIALOGUE AT PAY STATION DEEMED UNREALISTIC
PC Marsden argued that the suspect had "every opportunity" to engage with police at Starbucks but instead fled the scene. He told the court that the suspect’s intent to leave made a peaceful dialogue at the pay machine unrealistic ⬇️
14:51
🔴 PLAN: WALK SUSPECT OUTSIDE FOR LAWFUL ARREST
The officer decided the best course of action was to enter the car park and walk the male outside. He intended to effect a lawful arrest in clear view of his colleagues, relying on his training to escort the male safely from the condensed area ⬇️
14:49
🔴 OTHER ARREST OPTIONS DISMISSED AS RISKY
PC Marsden told the jury he considered other options, such as waiting for the male to reach a vehicle, but deemed them unrealistic. He feared that allowing the suspect into the car park proper could lead to a more dangerous pursuit ⬇️
14:47
🔴 FEAR OF BEING "CORNERED AND OUTNUMBERED"
The officer highlighted the danger of the officers being cornered if the group became hostile. He told the jury that in such a "condensed" area, police risked being outnumbered and placed in significant danger by the surrounding crowd ⬇️
14:45
🔴 CROWD SIZE IMPACTED POLICE DECISION MAKING
PC Marsden testified that the presence of 15 to 20 people in the small pay station area significantly influenced his tactics. He had to consider the risk of innocent bystanders being harmed or the suspect using the crowd to escape ⬇️
14:43
🔴 OFFICER IDENTIFIED SUSPECT IN BLUE TRACKSUIT
Upon arriving at the pay station, PC Marsden saw a male who "accurately" matched the description from the Starbucks incident. He noted the young male was wearing a blue tracksuit and blue shorts while using the payment machine ⬇️
14:41
🔴 "CONDENSED" CROWD AT THE PAY STATION
PC Marsden told the jury he encountered a "condensed" crowd of people inside the small payment area. He estimated there were in excess of 15 to 20 individuals present as he and his colleagues approached ⬇️
14:20
🔴 PC MARSDEN RETURNS TO THE WITNESS BOX
The afternoon session has commenced with PC Zachary Marsden resuming his evidence-in-chief. Wearing a grey suit and spectacles, the officer is now describing the moments he first made contact with the defendants ⬇️
14:20
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
The jury has been recalled following the lunch adjournment. Day six of the retrial continues in Court 41, with the prosecution focusing on the minute-by-minute movements of the armed response team in the car park ⬇️
14:10
🔴 JURY RE-ASSEMBLED FOR AFTERNOON EVIDENCE
The twelve jurors are back in their seats as the court prepares to hear the police perspective of the initial struggle. CCTV footage is expected to be played alongside the officer’s verbal account of the escalation ⬇️
14:00
🔴 LUNCH BREAK CONCLUDES IN COURT 41
The legal teams and defendants have returned to the dock for the second half of today’s proceedings. The focus remains on whether the police tactics were proportionate to the threat reported at Starbucks ⬇️
13:50
🔴 VP NEWS LIVE: AFTERNOON SESSION STANDBY
We are standing by for the resumption of the Manchester Airport retrial. Today's testimony from PC Marsden is the first time the court has heard a first-hand account of the physical struggle from the officer’s perspective ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 6 - 20 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
12:59
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH
Proceedings in Court 41 have paused for the midday break. The trial is scheduled to resume at 2:10 PM, when PC Zachary Marsden will continue his testimony under oath regarding the confrontation at the airport car park ⬇️
12:57
🔴 "CALM AND COLLECTED" BEFORE ARREST
PC Marsden denied being "out of control" when approaching the suspects. He told jurors his frame of mind was focused, stating that locating the individual in blue was considered routine work for the armed response team ⬇️
12:55
🔴 POLICE LOGISTICS: ARREST VS TRANSPORT
The jury heard how the response was coordinated. It was agreed that PC Marsden would "affect the arrest" while PC Ward would handle the transport of the suspect to a custody suite, as Marsden could not leave the airport footprint ⬇️
12:55
🔴 "CATASTROPHIC" RISK IF DISARMED
PC Marsden emphasized the gravity of a suspect gaining control of his firearm. He told the jury it would be catastrophic if his loaded Glock 17 were taken, highlighting the high stakes for armed officers at the terminal ⬇️
12:51
🔴 HEADBUTT WAS "PREMEDITATED VIOLENCE"
The officer described a headbutt as a "horrific" way to attack someone at close quarters. He rejected any suggestion that the initial incident was opportunistic, labeling it as premeditated and targeted violence ⬇️
12:51
🔴 SITUATION "NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY"
PC Marsden told the court that the high-pressure environment of the airport was something he had dealt with in the past. He maintained that his professional conduct remained steady throughout the incident on July 23 ⬇️
12:39
🔴 LEGAL NECESSITY OF ARREST
The officer stated an arrest was necessary to prevent the suspect from escaping and to protect the victim from further injury. He confirmed he had reasonable grounds to suspect an offence of actual bodily harm had occurred ⬇️
12:39
🔴 SEARCH FOR "YOUNG ASIAN MALE" IN BLUE
The jury heard that PC Marsden was acting on a specific description. He was searching for a young Asian male wearing a blue tracksuit who had reportedly fled toward the Terminal 2 car park after the attack ⬇️
12:35
🔴 VICTIM CLAIMS HEADBUTT IN THE FACE
Upon arriving at Starbucks, PC Marsden spoke to a male who claimed he had been headbutted by an Asian male in blue. This report formed the basis of the police's immediate search for the defendants in the car park area ⬇️
12:35
🔴 GRADE ONE RESPONSE TO TERMINAL FIGHT
Officers were approximately one minute away when the call came through. The report of an ongoing fight at Starbucks was treated as a "grade one response," the highest priority for dispatching airport police ⬇️
12:35
🔴 POLICE BOOTS "NO METAL TOE CAPS"
When asked by the prosecution about his footwear, PC Marsden clarified his boots are made of standard leather. He told jurors they do not have metal toe caps and are comparable to a normal shoe in construction ⬇️
12:19
🔴 TWO RADIOS WORN FOR CONSTANT FEED
PC Marsden wore two radios to monitor different channels simultaneously via an earpiece. This system was implemented following previous episodes where vehicles had made off from the airport, the court heard ⬇️
12:19
🔴 FIREARMS OFFICER CARRIED LOADED GLOCK 17
The witness detailed his lethal equipment, confirming he carried a loaded Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol. He told jurors the black handgun bears no resemblance to the bright yellow Taser also carried on his belt ⬇️
12:19
🔴 TACTICAL KIT AND UNIFORM MARKINGS
PC Marsden's operational uniform was prominently marked with "POLICE" on the front and back. His kit included body armour, handcuffs, PAVA spray, and an extendable baton for use in his role at the airport ⬇️
12:05
🔴 "REWARDING AND CHALLENGING" POLICING ROLE
After serving in response, PC Marsden applied to become a firearms officer in 2023. He told jurors he pursued the position because he viewed it as the most challenging and rewarding role within the force ⬇️
11:59
🔴 CAREER BACKGROUND: BOLTON 999 RESPONSE
The jury heard that PC Marsden joined GMP in 2019 after a stint as a special constable. He spent the early years of his career in Bolton, where he worked as a uniformed officer responding to emergency calls ⬇️
11:55
🔴 OFFICER TESTIMONY BEGINS IN COURT 41
The primary complainant, PC Zachary Marsden, has taken the witness box. He is currently being guided through his professional background and training as an armed response officer for Greater Manchester Police ⬇️
11:51
🔴 PC COOK TAKEN TO WYTHENSHAWE HOSPITAL
Agreed facts read to the jury state that PC Ellie Cook attended Wythenshawe Hospital at 3:00 AM the morning after the incident. She required medical attention for injuries allegedly sustained during the arrest attempt ⬇️
11:51
🔴 PARAMEDICS NOTED BRUISING TO OFFICER'S HEAD
The court heard that paramedics examined PC Cook at 11:31 PM on the night of the incident. They recorded bruising to one side of her head along with several other small marks across her face ⬇️
11:43
🔴 JURY SEATED FOR SECOND WEEK OF TRIAL
The twelve jurors have taken their places to begin hearing crucial evidence from the officers involved. Week two is expected to focus heavily on the physical confrontation that followed the Starbucks report ⬇️
11:30
🔴 MANCHESTER AIRPORT RETRIAL RESUMES
Good morning from Liverpool Crown Court. The trial of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad is back in session. Legal teams are in position as the focus shifts to the alleged victim's account ⬇️
11:05
🔴 COURT STANDBY: PC MARSDEN TO GIVE EVIDENCE
We are live in Court 41 for day six of the proceedings. Today’s testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment as PC Zachary Marsden speaks publicly about the incident for the first time ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 5 - 17 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
14:00
🔴 END OF WEEK 1 SUMMARY:
As the first week of this high-profile retrial draws to a close, the focus remains firmly on the seconds of chaotic footage that have been dissected frame-by-frame in Court 41.
From the prosecution’s allegations of "high-intensity" violence to the defense’s claims of an "unlawful" police intervention, the lines are clearly drawn. With PC Ellie Cook’s three-day testimony now concluded, all eyes turn to Monday, when the complainant—PC Zachary Marsden—is expected to take the witness box to give his first-person account of the struggle that gripped the nation.
VP News will be back in the press gallery of Liverpool Crown Court to bring you every update. We will see you at 11:30 AM on Monday for continued live coverage.
WEEK ONE RECAP: KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- The Police Account: PC Cook maintained that the officers faced a "hostile" situation and that her use of force, including a strike to the jaw and the deployment of a Taser, was necessary and proportionate.
- The Defense Challenge: Lawyers for the brothers alleged that the officers acted without "lawful authority" by failing to announce an arrest, effectively arguing that the police were the initial aggressors.
- The "Viral" Kick: Under cross-examination, PC Cook admitted the CCTV showed a "kick to the head" and conceded that, at that specific moment, the suspect did not pose a threat to her.
- The "T2 Incident" Group: The court heard of a WhatsApp group set up by officers the day after the event, which the defense suggests could have been used to coordinate narratives.
Follow our live court reporting on Monday as the testimony of PC Zachary Marsden begins.
13:29
🔴 TRIAL CONCLUDED FOR THE WEEK:
Proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court have finished for the day.
The trial is scheduled to resume at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 20, as the prosecution continues to call the officers involved in the car park struggle. ⬇️
🔴 PC MARSDEN TO GIVE EVIDENCE ON MONDAY
The evidence of PC Ellie Cook has formally concluded. Judge Neil Flewitt KC informed the jury that PC Zachary Marsden—the complainant in the case—will take the witness box on Monday morning.
The judge warned jurors that his testimony is "likely to take some time." ⬇️
13:15
🔴 OFFICER: SUSPECT NEEDED TO BE "SECURE" BEFORE ARREST
In re-examination by prosecutor Paul Greaney KC, PC Cook explained why formal arrest wording wasn't used immediately.
She stated it wasn't "practicable" because officers wanted to ensure the suspect was secure and moved away from the public, given the "level of violence" they believed he had already displayed. ⬇️
12:49
🔴 OFFICER DENIES PC MARSDEN WAS "OUT OF CONTROL"
Defense counsel Chloe Gardner alleged that "the red mist had descended" on PC Marsden during the incident.
PC Cook refused to comment on her colleague's "thought processes" but firmly denied the claim that he was "out of control" or that his actions were unjustified. ⬇️
12:47
🔴 "CHAOS OF YOUR OWN MAKING": DEFENCE ATTACK
Ms. Gardner put it to the witness that the officers had no plan and that the situation was "chaos of your own making."
The officer disagreed, also rejecting the suggestion that her own use of force against Mr Amaad was unlawful. ⬇️
12:43
🔴 DEFENCE: BROTHER FEARED SUSPECT WAS "UNDER ATTACK"
The jury was shown further clips of the pay station struggle.
The defense suggested Mr Amaad was only trying to get PC Marsden to release his brother because he feared he was under attack, a claim PC Cook flatly rejected. ⬇️
12:33
🔴 "NOTHING LAWFUL ABOUT YOUR ACTIONS"
In a blunt exchange, the defense put it to PC Cook that there was "nothing reasonable or lawful" about the police intervention.
The officer maintained her position, disagreeing with the allegation that the police response was legally flawed. ⬇️
12:27
🔴 OFFICER DID NOT HEAR SUSPECT SAY "EASY"
During cross-examination, PC Cook was asked if she heard Mr Amaad saying the word "easy" five times during the struggle.
The officer told the court she did not hear the remark as the confrontation escalated. ⬇️
12:23
🔴 RELIANCE ON "OFFICER EXPERIENCE" OVER VERBAL PLAN
PC Cook admitted there was "no verbal agreement" between the three officers on their specific roles before the arrest attempt.
She explained she relied on the "experience of the officers," stating she knew them well enough to be happy with how they operated without speaking. ⬇️
12:21
🔴 OFFICER DENIES "CHAOTIC" OR "AGGRESSIVE" CONDUCT
The defense suggested that the police actions in the car park were "chaotic" and put the public at risk.
PC Cook denied this characterization, defending the tactical approach taken by the armed response team. ⬇️
12:19
🔴 OFFICERS CREATED "T2 INCIDENT" WHATSAPP GROUP
The court heard that a WhatsApp group titled "T2 incident" was set up by the involved officers the day after the confrontation.
PC Cook said she didn't recall specific details of the event being discussed in the group, suggesting it was primarily for "welfare" purposes. ⬇️
12:17
🔴 PC COOK BACKS KICK AS "NECESSARY"
Before concluding his questioning, Mr. Khan asked the witness if she believed PC Marsden’s kick to the suspect was "necessary, proportionate and reasonable."
The officer answered "Yes," maintaining her support for her colleague's use of force. ⬇️
12:15
🔴 CHLOE GARDNER BEGINS CROSS-EXAMINATION
Following the conclusion of Mr. Khan's questioning, Chloe Gardner has begun cross-examining the witness on behalf of the second defendant, Muhammad Amaad.
The focus has shifted to the specific interactions between PC Cook and the older brother. ⬇️
12:11
🔴 VP NEWS: LIVE AT THE AIRPORT RETRIAL
We are following the final moments of PC Cook's testimony in Court 41.
The defense is currently probing the lack of verbal communication between the officers as they moved from the terminal to the car park. ⬇️
11:55
🔴 JURY RE-EXAMINES OFFICER LOGS
Digital evidence, including the timing of radio calls and the creation of the officers' WhatsApp group, is being closely scrutinized.
The defense aims to establish whether the officers' accounts were influenced by post-incident discussions. ⬇️
11:45
🔴 SUMMARY OF THE MORNING
So far today, PC Cook has admitted the footage shows a kick to the head but denied it was a "threat" at that moment.
She has also faced accusations that the entire police intervention constituted an assault on the defendants. ⬇️
🔴 COURT ADJOURNS FOR MORNING BREAK
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has called a brief adjournment.
The jury has left the room, and proceedings are expected to resume shortly as the defense continues to probe the legality of the officers' actions. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER ADMITS FOOTAGE SHOWS "KICK TO THE HEAD"
Defense counsel Imran Khan KC played a slowed-down video of the moment PC Marsden kicked Mr Amaaz.
When asked directly if the footage showed a kick to the head, PC Cook replied "Yes." However, she told the court she could not comment on whether her colleague could have kicked a different part of the suspect's body. ⬇️
11:11
🔴 PC COOK: DEFENDANT WAS NOT A "THREAT" AT POINT OF KICK
During intense questioning regarding the viral footage, PC Cook stated that at the time the kick was delivered, she did not consider Mr Amaaz a "threat" to herself or anyone else.
She also told jurors she did not witness the subsequent "stamp" delivered by PC Marsden at the time it occurred. ⬇️
11:07
🔴 DEFENCE: SUSPECT WAS "DEFENDING HIMSELF" FROM POLICE
Imran Khan KC suggested to the court that Mr Amaaz was acting in self-defense during the car park struggle.
PC Cook firmly disagreed with this characterization, even after being shown footage of her "advancing" on the suspect before he threw a punch toward her. ⬇️
11:03
🔴 BROTHER WAS "UNDER ATTACK," JURY HEARS
The defense outlined its case that Mr Amaaz was seeking to protect his brother, Mr Amaad.
Mr. Khan alleged that the older brother was "under attack" by PCs Cook and Marsden, prompting the violent intervention from the younger defendant. ⬇️
11:01
🔴 JURY WATCHES "QUARTER-SPEED" CCTV ANALYSIS
The atmosphere in Court 41 has turned clinical as jurors examine the pay station incident frame-by-frame.
Mr. Khan is playing footage at quarter speed to question PC Cook on her exact movements and the timing of the physical contact. ⬇️
10:57
🔴 OFFICER "ASSUMED" SHE WOULD BE HEADBUTTED
PC Cook justified her decision not to identify herself immediately by citing intelligence from the Starbucks incident.
She told the court she "assumed" she might be assaulted if the suspect turned around, fearing he would deliver a headbutt similar to the one reported in the terminal. ⬇️
10:56
🔴 "AGREE TO DISAGREE" OVER ARREST WORDING
A tense exchange occurred when Mr. Khan asked what prevented PC Cook from saying "I am arresting you" the moment she grabbed the suspect.
The officer argued it wasn't an "appropriate time" to fulfill Code G requirements, leading the barrister to suggest she simply chose not to say it. ⬇️
10:53
🔴 DEFENCE LABELS POLICE ACTIONS AS "UNLAWFUL"
The defense is highlighting the officer's choice not to inform Mr Amaaz he was under arrest at the point of contact.
PC Cook maintained that there was an arrest plan in her mind, but admitted that the formal wording was not delivered at that specific moment. ⬇️
10:49
🔴 "YOU ASSAULTED MR AMAAZ": DEFENCE CHALLENGE
In a direct confrontation, Imran Khan KC put it to PC Cook that the three officers had no lawful authority to grab his client.
"That then constitutes an assault. In short, you, PC Ward and PC Marsden assaulted Mr Amaaz. That's the case," the barrister told the witness. ⬇️
10:47
🔴 OFFICER CONFRONTS ALLEGATION OF UNLAWFUL FORCE
PC Cook was asked if she understood the defense's position that the initial contact at the pay station was a criminal act by the police.
The officer replied "Yes," acknowledging the claim that the lack of formal arrest made their use of force unlawful. ⬇️
10:45
🔴 DAY FIVE BEGINS AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
Good morning from Court 41. The final session of the week is underway in the Manchester Airport attack retrial.
PC Ellie Cook has returned to the witness box for her third consecutive day of evidence under cross-examination. ⬇️
10:31
🔴 IMRAN KHAN KC CONTINUES CROSS-EXAMINATION
The lead defense counsel for Mr Amaaz has resumed his questioning, focusing heavily on the legality of the "hands-on" approach used by the armed officers.
The jury is expected to see further video analysis throughout the morning. ⬇️
10:27
🔴 DEFENDANTS PRODUCED IN THE DOCK
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad are in place as the legal teams finalize preparations for the morning session.
The brothers have remained quiet throughout the detailed dissection of their actions in the car park. ⬇️
10:25
🔴 VP NEWS: LIVE REPORTING DAY 5
We are providing continuous updates from the press gallery as the police testimony enters a critical phase.
The focus remains on whether the firearms officers followed strict PACE guidelines during the high-speed escalation. ⬇️
10:23
🔴 LEGAL CONTEXT: CODE G AND POLICE POWERS
Today’s questioning revolves around "Code G" of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which governs the statutory power of arrest.
The defense is attempting to prove that a failure to follow these rules turned the police intervention into an assault. ⬇️
🔴 SUMMARY: THE WEEK SO FAR
Jurors have already seen the "viral" footage from multiple angles and heard the prosecution's claim of "extreme violence" from the defendants.
Today, the defense is flipping the narrative, putting the officers' conduct under the microscope. ⬇️
10:17
🔴 STANDBY FOR UPDATES FROM COURT 41
The trial is set to delve deeper into the "hostile" atmosphere described by the officers yesterday.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in the Manchester Airport Attack Retrial. ⬇️
10:15
🔴 WE'RE BACK LIVE
Good morning, we are now back live in Court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court for day 5 of the Manchester Airport attack retrial, for Friday the 17th of April 2026.
🔴 LIVE: DAY 4 - 16 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL FRIDAY MORNING
Proceedings have concluded for the day at Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has dismissed the jury, with the trial set to resume at 10:00 AM tomorrow, Friday, April 17, for the final sessions of the week. ⬇️
16:27
🔴 "MATTER OF WORDS": DISPUTE OVER ARREST VS DETENTION
Defense counsel Imran Khan KC pressed the witness on whether she was actually "affecting an arrest" or merely "detaining" the suspect at the pay station.
PC Cook maintained that her actions fell "under the bracket of affecting an arrest," despite not using formal arrest wording at the exact moment of contact. ⬇️
16:27
🔴 OFFICER: ARREST WORDING WAS NOT "PRACTICABLE"
When asked what prevented her from formally stating the suspect was under arrest, PC Cook told the jury it wasn't practicable to use those words at that specific moment.
The defense continues to highlight the distinction between detaining an individual and the formal legal process of arrest. ⬇️
16:17
🔴 PC COOK DENIES CHANGING ACCOUNT TO IOPC
The defense suggested that the officer had altered her version of events compared to a statement previously given to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
PC Cook firmly denied this, rejecting the claim that she had changed her account to avoid legal "difficulties" regarding the car park intervention. ⬇️
16:17
🔴 OFFICER CITES LEGAL POWERS FOR USE OF FORCE
Asked for the "lawful authority" that permitted her to grab the defendant, PC Cook cited two specific pieces of legislation.
She told the court she relied on Section 117 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act to justify her actions. ⬇️
16:17
🔴 PUBLIC SAFETY INFLUENCED RISK ASSESSMENT
PC Cook explained that the proximity of bystanders to a "quite violent" individual influenced her risk assessment.
She stated that her primary concern at the pay station was the safety of other members of the public who were close to the suspect. ⬇️
15:47
🔴 DEFENCE LABELS LACK OF COMMUNICATION "RECKLESS"
The jury heard that the three officers did not speak to communicate a plan between leaving Starbucks and arriving at the car park.
Mr. Khan asked if this was "reckless," to which PC Cook replied "No," adding that while they didn't speak, she had a plan "in her head." ⬇️
15:47
🔴 HEARING RESUMES AFTER AFTERNOON BREAK
The trial has reconvened for the final hour of the day’s evidence.
PC Cook remains in the witness box, facing continued scrutiny over the tactical decisions made by the armed response team prior to the struggle. ⬇️
15:19
🔴 COURT TAKES SHORT BREAK
The jury has been led out of Court 41 for a brief afternoon adjournment.
The defense is expected to move into the specific details of the Taser deployment once the session resumes. ⬇️
15:17
🔴 OFFICER REJECTS "FAILING" OVER STARBUCKS INTEL
Imran Khan KC suggested that PC Cook failed to gather enough information at Starbucks to understand the "true risk" of the situation.
The officer disagreed, stating firmly: "I felt I had enough information" to proceed with the location and arrest of the suspect. ⬇️
15:17
🔴 POLICE RADIO RECORDINGS PLAYED TO JURY
Jurors were played a clip from the Greater Manchester Police radio control logs from the day of the incident.
PC Cook confirmed that PC Marsden's voice can be heard on the recordings, which provide a real-time account of the information being relayed to the officers. ⬇️
15:10
🔴 VP NEWS: LIVE AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
Day four of the Manchester Airport retrial is entering its final phase.
The defense is currently focusing on the initial response and whether the officers' lack of a verbalized plan contributed to the eventual violence. ⬇️
We’re back for the afternoon session of Manchester Airport Attackers retrial live from Court 41 of Liverpool Crown Court.
14:47
🔴 OFFICER DENIES "CASUAL DEBRIEF" WITH COLLEAGUES
Defense counsel Imran Khan KC questioned whether the involved officers met to discuss the incident in the following weeks.
PC Cook replied: "I don't recall there being a debrief just between officers that were involved, no," stating she had no memory of any such meeting. ⬇️
14:45
🔴 PC COOK: NO RECOLLECTION OF POST-INCIDENT MEETING
The jury heard further denials regarding any collaborative discussion between the officers after the event.
When asked directly if there was an occasion where they met to discuss the car park struggle, the witness stated: "Not that I recall." ⬇️
14:37
🔴 OFFICER STANDS BY CONDUCT OF COLLEAGUES
After being asked to reflect on the CCTV footage shown in court, PC Cook was asked if she now believes PCs Marsden or Ward acted improperly.
The officer replied "No," maintaining her support for the actions taken by her fellow firearms officers during the arrest attempt. ⬇️
14:34
🔴 NO REPORTS MADE AGAINST FELLOW OFFICERS
Under cross-examination, PC Cook confirmed she did not challenge the behavior of PCs Marsden or Ward during the incident.
She further stated to the jury that she did not report either officer to her superiors regarding their conduct on July 23, 2024. ⬇️
14:30
🔴 FORCE USED WAS "REASONABLE AND PROPORTIONATE"
PC Cook told the court she consistently applied the core principles of policing during the confrontation.
She maintained that the force she deployed was "necessary, proportionate and reasonable" given the high-threat environment she described earlier. ⬇️
14:30
🔴 PC COOK: I ACTED WITH "HONESTY AND INTEGRITY"
Resuming her evidence, the witness defended her personal conduct during the airport struggle.
She told jurors that she acted with "self control," "fairness and impartiality," and ensured she treated members of the public with respect throughout the incident. ⬇️
14:27
🔴 AFTERNOON SESSION UNDERWAY IN COURT 41
The trial has reconvened at Liverpool Crown Court following the lunch break.
PC Ellie Cook remains in the witness box as the defense continues a detailed cross-examination of her account and police procedure. ⬇️
14:20
🔴 DEFENDANTS RETURN TO THE DOCK
The brothers have been produced for the afternoon session as the jury returns to hear more from the first responding officer.
The defense is expected to continue focusing on the officers' internal communications and their assessment of the footage. ⬇️
14:15
🔴 VP NEWS LIVE: DAY 4 CONTINUES
We are live in the press gallery for the conclusion this afternoons witness testimony.
With PC Cook still under oath, the court is scrutinizing the moments leading up to the Taser deployment and the subsequent arrests. ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 4 - 16 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
We’re back for the morning session of Manchester Airport Attackers retrial live from Court 41 of Liverpool Crown Court.
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNS FOR LUNCH BREAK
The court has paused for the midday interval.
Proceedings are scheduled to resume at 2:15 PM, when the defence will continue their cross-examination of the firearms officer regarding her decisions during the car park struggle. ⬇️
12:48
🔴 PC COOK: FORCE MUST BE "NECESSARY AND PROPORTIONATE"
Under cross-examination from Imran Khan KC, PC Cook agreed that officers are trained to handle difficult situations without exceeding their legal powers.
She acknowledged that while training guides them, police officers must take individual responsibility for the level of force they choose to deploy. ⬇️
12:47
🔴 OFFICER SUFFERED JAW INJURIES DURING FRACAS
Following the arrests at 8:43 PM that evening, PC Cook reported physical injuries from the confrontation.
The jury heard she suffered swelling to the right side of her face and experienced ongoing pain and complications with her jaw as a result of the strikes she received. ⬇️
12:39
🔴 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE BUTTON PRESSED FOR FIRST TIME
The jury heard that PC Cook activated her emergency button during the incident—the only time she has done so in her career.
She told the court the situation was so volatile that she required immediate backup to regain control of the scene at the pay station. ⬇️
12:33
🔴 "NECESSARY AND PROPORTIONATE": OFFICER BACKS KICK
When asked about the viral footage of PC Marsden kicking the suspect in the head, PC Cook told jurors it seemed "necessary and proportionate" given the high level of violence used.
She suggested PC Marsden likely wasn't aware the suspect had been Tasered because the man still had his arm around the officer's neck. ⬇️
12:30
🔴 TASER TRIGGER PULLED AS SUSPECTS FELL
PC Cook described the moment she deployed her Taser, noting both Mr Amaaz and PC Marsden fell backward.
After initially being unsure if it worked, she "re-energised" the device for a further five seconds to ensure a gap was created between the officer and the suspect. ⬇️
12:27
🔴 JURY SHOWN "INERT" TASER IN COURTROOM
In a rare move, PC Cook stepped out of the witness box to show the jury her Taser up close.
She explained the device is yellow and black to distinguish it from her Glock 17 handgun. Jurors were reassured the display model was safe and "inert" before it was removed. ⬇️
12:27
🔴 OFFICER FEARED FOR COLLEAGUE'S SIDEARM
PC Cook told the court her threat perception was at an all-time high, fearing the suspect might reach for PC Marsden's weapon.
"I wasn't sure what his intention was, whether it was to grab his weapon or whether it was just an attack," she testified. ⬇️
12:21
🔴 "HIGH LEVEL" FORCE KNOCKED OFFICER TO GROUND
The court heard that Mr Amaaz delivered punches with a "high level" of force, causing PC Cook to fall over a suitcase.
The officer testified that after striking her, the suspect then ran toward PC Marsden and hit him in the head from behind using his fist. ⬇️
12:21
🔴 PC COOK: SUSPECT RETURNED TO THROW MORE PUNCHES
Describing the rapid escalation, the witness said she moved to arrest Mr Amaaz, but he "came back" toward her.
She claimed he threw three further punches, at least one of which connected with her head as she attempted to regain control of the situation. ⬇️
12:15
🔴 OFFICER FACES QUESTIONS ON THREAT PERCEPTION
The prosecution is establishing the "high threat" level PC Cook felt during the struggle.
She told the jury she feared for her colleagues and members of the public, stating she had never experienced a similar situation in her career. ⬇️
12:10
🔴 CCTV CORROBORATION SOUGHT BY JURY
As the witness describes the punches, the jury is cross-referencing her testimony with the multi-angle CCTV footage previously shown.
The timing of the "high force" strikes is being pinpointed to show the exact moment the officer was knocked off her feet. ⬇️
12:05
🔴 DEFENCE BEGINS CHALLENGING POLICE ACCOUNT
Imran Khan KC has started probing the officer’s testimony, focusing on the lack of a formal "arrest plan" before hands were placed on the defendants.
The defence aims to highlight whether the police approach contributed to the chaos that followed. ⬇️
12:00
🔴 VP NEWS: LIVE FROM COURT 41
We continue our live reporting of the Manchester Airport incident retrial from Liverpool Crown Court.
The afternoon session will see the defence attempt to pick apart the police version of events following the Starbucks confrontation. ⬇️
11:55
🔴 DETAILED INJURY PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE SHOWN
The court is expected to view medical evidence later today regarding the facial swelling and jaw issues described by PC Cook.
This evidence is being used by the Crown to demonstrate the severity of the alleged assault by the defendants. ⬇️
11:50
🔴 FIREARMS TRAINING SCRUTINISED
With PC Cook confirming her 16-week training and five-week refreshers, the court is looking at whether the response followed standard police protocol.
The officer maintains that her actions were a direct response to a "very hostile" environment. ⬇️
11:45
🔴 JURY RECALLED AFTER LEGAL ARGUMENTS
Following a brief period of legal discussion in the absence of the jury, the trial has moved into the cross-examination phase.
The brothers remain in the dock, listening intently to the officer’s description of their mother’s involvement in the struggle. ⬇️
11:40
🔴 SUMMARY OF MORNING EVIDENCE
PC Cook has testified that she was punched, kicked, and saw her colleague knocked to the floor.
She has stood by her decision to Taser the suspect and defended PC Marsden's subsequent actions as "necessary." ⬇️
12:13
🔴 OFFICER FEARED "HOSTILE" CROWD DURING MELEE
Asked how she felt as the situation spiralled, PC Cook told the jury she was "quite scared" and didn't know what they were facing.
She noted that a crowd of the public had gathered, stating: "All I knew was that they weren't coming to assist us." ⬇️
12:10
🔴 "HOSTILE SITUATION" LEFT OFFICER WITH BLURRY VISION
PC Cook described the physical impact of the alleged assault, telling jurors her vision went blurry for "around a second" after being struck.
Despite the disorientation, she maintained she was certain Mr Amaaz was responsible for the multiple "hard" punches to her head. ⬇️
12:07
🔴 PC WARD KNOCKED TO GROUND BY STRIKE
The witness testified that the attack from Mr Amaaz then "diverted" toward her colleague, PC Ward.
PC Cook told the court: "I saw Mr Amaaz strike PC Ward in the face. It made her fall to the ground," while PC Marsden remained occupied with the other defendant. ⬇️
12:05
🔴 PC COOK: I WAS PUNCHED "QUITE HARD" MULTIPLE TIMES
The officer detailed a rapid escalation where she was kicked in the leg with "moderate force" before being punched in the head.
She told jurors the force was "quite hard," causing her police cap to be knocked off her head as the struggle intensified. ⬇️
12:03
🔴 FIREARMS OFFICER STRUCK DEFENDANT IN THE JAW
PC Cook admitted delivering a punch to the jaw of Mr Amaad during the fracas.
She justified the use of force by stating she was attempting to "create space" because the defendant was trying to obstruct the lawful arrest of his brother. ⬇️
12:01
🔴 OFFICER CLAIMS COLLEAGUE'S STRIKE WAS "JUSTIFIED"
The jury heard that PC Marsden attempted to deliver a strike to Mr Amaad’s chest.
PC Cook testified she believed this action was "justified" because Mr Amaad was actively trying to "grab" PC Marsden to prevent him from carrying out his duties. ⬇️
11:59
🔴 SECOND MALE "ACCIDENTALLY" CONNECTED WITH HEAD
While attempting to control the first suspect, PC Cook says a second male—now known to be Mr Amaad—involved himself in the struggle.
She testified that he "accidentally connected" with the side of her head while attempting to grab PC Marsden. ⬇️
11:57
🔴 OFFICER "OUT-MUSCLED" DURING ARREST ATTEMPT
PC Cook described the moment she realized the arrest would not go to plan, stating the suspect was "quite clear" stronger than she was.
She told the court her attempt to manoeuvre his arm into the small of his back was "unsuccessful" because of his strength. ⬇️
11:55
🔴 DEFENDANT "TENSED BICEP" AS POLICE MOVED IN
The officer told jurors that as she took hold of the suspect's right arm, she felt his bicep tense up immediately.
In her professional experience, she explained this was "indicative" that the person is "likely to resist arrest or put up some sort of fight." ⬇️
11:52
🔴 PC COOK: "HE KNEW WHAT HE HAD JUST DONE"
When asked why she didn't identify herself as police, PC Cook said she believed the suspect should have been aware police were coming after the Starbucks incident.
"In my head he knows what he has just done... he should have been aware police were likely to be called," she told the jury. ⬇️
11:52
🔴 NO FORMAL "PLAN" FOR CAR PARK ARREST
PC Cook admitted to the jury that there was "no plan as such" regarding which officer would take hold of which limb as they approached the man in blue.
She observed PC Marsden take the left arm, while she secured the right, intending to apply handcuffs. ⬇️
11:45
🔴 POLICE "PLACED HANDS" ON SUSPECT AT PAY STATION
The court has been given a detailed account of the initial contact between firearms officers and the defendants at the Terminal 2 car park.
PC Cook confirmed she "placed her hands" on the "man in blue" while he was at the payment machine. ⬇️
11:42
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION OF PC COOK RESUMES
After a delay in the morning's schedule, PC Ellie Cook has returned to the witness box in Court 41.
She is continuing her evidence-in-chief, providing her first-person account of the moments the arrest attempt turned into a violent confrontation. ⬇️
11:37
🔴 DAY FOUR OF AIRPORT RETRIAL UNDERWAY
The trial of the two Rochdale brothers has resumed at Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has called the jury in to begin hearing the fourth day of evidence concerning the incident on July 23, 2024. ⬇️
11:30
🔴 LEGAL TEAMS ASSEMBLE IN COURT 41
The prosecution, led by Paul Greaney KC, and the defence teams are in position for the morning session.
The focus of today's evidence remains on the testimony of the armed officers who were first on the scene at the Terminal 2 car park. ⬇️
11:20
🔴 VP NEWS LIVE: MANCHESTER AIRPORT TRIAL
We are back at Liverpool Crown Court for continuing coverage of the Manchester Airport incident retrial.
The defendants, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, have been produced in the dock as evidence resumes. ⬇️
11:10
🔴 COURT STANDBY: OFFICER TESTIMONY CONTINUES
The morning session is set to provide a crucial minute-by-minute breakdown of the body-worn footage from the police perspective.
Updates will follow directly from the press gallery as the jury examines the legality of the force used by both sides. ⬇️
11:00
🔴 SUMMARY: THE CASE SO FAR
The jury has previously heard that PC Cook was based at Manchester Airport and responded to an "immediate" call from the Starbucks terminal.
Today she will face further questioning on her decision-making process during the struggle at the pay station. ⬇️
10:30
🔴 WE'RE BACK LIVE
Good morning, we are now back live in Court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court for day 4 of the Manchester Airport attack retrial, on the 16th of April 2026.
There is another delay to the start if todays proceedings, bare with us and stay tuned, we will bring you the live reporting as soon as trial gets back underway.
🔴 LIVE: DAY 3 - 15 APRIL 2026
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL THURSDAY MORNING
Proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court have concluded for the day. Judge Neil Flewitt KC has dismissed the jury, with the trial scheduled to resume at 10:30 AM tomorrow. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER: ARREST WAS "QUITE OBVIOUS" NECESSITY
PC Cook testified that she did not discuss a specific "plan" with PCs Marsden or Ward before the intervention.
She told jurors that "express agreement" wasn't needed because, in her mind, it was obvious an assault had occurred and the male needed to be arrested as soon as he was located. ⬇️
🔴 POLICE AIMED TO MOVE DEFENDANT FROM PUBLIC
The court heard that officers intended to "take hold" of the man and move him away from the pay station for the arrest.
PC Cook explained this was due to the reported "high level of violence" used in the initial assault, noting she was unsure how he would react or if that violence would be directed at officers or the public. ⬇️
🔴 FIREARMS OFFICER DESCRIBES FULL OPERATIONAL KIT
PC Cook detailed her equipment to the jury, confirming she was in a uniform prominently marked "POLICE" and carrying a baton, handcuffs, and a Taser.
She also confirmed she was armed with a loaded Glock 17 handgun, agreeing that it would present a "very dangerous state of affairs" if her weapon were ever taken from her. ⬇️
🔴 "IMMEDIATE RESPONSE" TRIGGERED BY RADIO
The jury heard how officers first learned of the incident while on patrol in a marked vehicle.
PC Cook stated the radio message regarding the Starbucks disturbance was categorized as "immediate response," leading her and PC Marsden to arrive at the terminal within one to two minutes. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS DESCRIPTION LED TO CAR PARK SEARCH
After speaking with the Starbucks manager, PC Cook was given a description of an "Asian male wearing a blue top and blue shorts."
Based on this eyewitness account, the officer told the court she decided "in her head" to locate and arrest the individual for assault, believing there were "reasonable grounds" to do so. ⬇️
🔴 PC WARD JOINED RESPONSE AT TERMINAL 2
PC Cook told the court she couldn't recall the exact moment PC Lydia Ward joined them, but the three officers were together by the time they began searching for the suspect.
The jury heard that the officers moved from the terminal cafe toward the car park area to find the group involved. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER ADMITS TASER DESIGNED TO INCAPACITATE
During her testimony, PC Cook agreed that a Taser is specifically designed to incapacitate an individual.
The prosecution is establishing the nature of the equipment carried by the three officers as they approached the defendants at the parking payment machines. ⬇️
🔴 FIREARMS OFFICER PC ELLIE COOK CALLED
The prosecution has called its next witness, PC Ellie Cook. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC informed the jury that while the complainant, PC Marsden, would typically be called first, PC Cook is being heard now to accommodate her availability next week.
The court heard that PC Cook joined the force in 2018 and qualified as a firearms officer in May 2024. ⬇️
🔴 PC COOK: FIREARMS TRAINING "REFRESHED EVERY FIVE WEEKS"
Giving her background to the jury, PC Cook detailed her extensive training. Following a 16-week qualifying course, she was based at Manchester Airport at the time of the incident.
She confirmed that as a firearms officer, she undergoes mandatory refresher training every five weeks to maintain her operational status. ⬇️
🔴 BODY-WORN FOOTAGE FROM FIVE OFFICERS SHOWN
The trial has resumed with a significant presentation of digital evidence. The jury has been shown body-worn camera footage from five different officers: PCs Marsden, Cook, Ward, Flanagan, and Gray.
This footage provides multiple first-person perspectives of the struggle that took place at the car park pay station. ⬇️
🔴 JURY RE-EXAMINES MULTI-ANGLE CCTV
Following the break, jurors were again shown CCTV footage of the car park incident from two distinct angles.
The prosecution is using these repeated viewings to ensure the jury can clearly identify the movements and actions of both the defendants and the officers as the arrest attempt began. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER HILLSBOROUGH TRIBUTE
The court has reconvened following the scheduled pause.
The 15-minute adjournment allowed those in the building to mark the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 people in 1989. ⬇️
🔴 MINUTE'S SILENCE OBSERVED
At 3:06 PM, the trial was paused as part of a city-wide act of remembrance.
This specific time marks the moment the 1989 FA Cup semi-final was halted. Jurors and court staff observed the silence in memory of the victims of the tragedy. ⬇️
🔴 COURT ADJOURNS TO HONOUR THE 97
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has called a 15-minute break in proceedings.
The adjournment was specifically timed to allow jurors the opportunity to observe the city-wide minute's silence for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster if they wished to do so. ⬇️
14:48
🔴 SECOND-BY-SECOND CCTV ANALYSIS
The jury is currently being taken through a granular, second-by-second account of the incident.
Using a sequence of events document and corresponding CCTV stills, the prosecution is detailing the precise timeline from the moment the brothers reached the pay station to the point where physical force was first deployed. ⬇️o
🔴 JURY EXAMINES CCTV STILLS IN WITNESS BOX
Detective Sergeant Bullivant is currently being questioned by junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby.
The jury is being guided through a formal "sequence of events" document. This evidence includes a series of still images extracted from CCTV footage to clarify the movements of those involved. ⬇️
🔴 DETAILED TIMELINE UNDER SCRUTINY
The prosecution is using the CCTV stills to establish a second-by-second account of the confrontation.
The images focus on the interactions between the defendants and the responding officers at the parking payment machines, following the earlier incident in the terminal cafe. ⬇️
🔴 DS BULLIVANT RETURNS TO GIVE EVIDENCE
Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant of Greater Manchester Police has resumed her position in the witness box.
As the officer in charge of the case, she is assisting the court in identifying the individuals seen in the footage and clarifying the layout of the Terminal 2 car park area. ⬇️
🔴 CAR PARK FOOTAGE SHOWN FROM MULTIPLE ANGLES
The jury is scrutinizing the alleged assault through various perspectives.
The court has been shown two different angles of the same incident at the pay station, allowing jurors to see the positioning of the officers and the defendants from both sides of the payment area. ⬇️
🔴 CCTV REVEALS MOMENTS BEFORE ARREST ATTEMPT
Footage played in court tracks the brothers arriving at the Terminal 2 car park pay station.
The video shows the defendants at the machine shortly before the arrival of PC Marsden, PC Cook, and PC Ward, as the prosecution begins to detail the escalation into violence. ⬇️
🔴 JURORS WATCH ALLEGED CAR PARK ASSAULT
The focus of the trial has shifted to the physical evidence of the struggle at Manchester Airport.
Jurors are now watching recorded footage of the incident at the pay station. This evidence is central to the charge of ABH against PC Zachary Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AFTER MORNING DELAYS
Day three of the retrial has formally commenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC informed the jury that "logistical difficulties" were responsible for the late start, preventing the case from beginning at the scheduled noon slot. ⬇️
🔴 MINUTE’S SILENCE FOR HILLSBOROUGH VICTIMS
Judge Flewitt KC has informed the court that the trial will pause to mark the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
The judge noted that people across Liverpool will be paying their respects at 3:06 PM. The court will take a break from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM to allow jurors to observe the silence. ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE ADDRESSES JURY ON DAY THREE
The twelve jurors have taken their seats in Court 41 for the afternoon session.
Before the evidence resumed, the judge apologized for the delay and set out the timetable for the remainder of the day’s proceedings. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS BACK IN THE DOCK
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad have been produced in the dock as the trial enters its third day.
Legal teams for both the Crown and the defence are in position as the prosecution prepares to move further into the CCTV and technical evidence. ⬇️
🔴 FURTHER LEGAL DELAYS:
Apologies for the delay, the court is still not back in session. We will course bring you further coverage as soon as the trial resumes ⬇️
🔴 DELAY TO START OF DAY 3 PROCEEDINGS
There will be a slightly later start than scheduled at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, with proceedings expected to begin shortly ⬇️
11:30
🔴 Good morning from Liverpool Crown Court - Court 41 - as the trial enters its third day, with proceedings set to resume shortly before the jury.
🔴 LIVE: DAY 2 - 14 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
15:25
🔴 LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️TRIAL ADJOURNED
The trial has been adjourned for the today and is due to resume tomorrow at 10:30 - Wednesday, stay tuned we will be back then.
15:21
🔴 The court has now adjourned for a short break
🔴 BARISTA DENIES HEARING DEATH THREATS
Under re-examination by the Prosecution, Ms. Pakalne was asked if she would have been in a position to hear threats like "I will smash you" or "I will f****** kill you" if they were shouted in English.
The witness confirmed she was in a position to hear them, but stated clearly that she did not hear any such threats made by the "family guy." ⬇️
🔴 WIFE’S WORDS TO DEFENDANTS REVEALED
The jury heard evidence regarding what the passenger’s wife said during the confrontation.
Ms. Pakalne testified that she heard the wife say in English: "We weren't talking about you, but we were talking about the kid behind you." . ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS STANDS BY "COME OUTSIDE" CLAIM
During cross-examination, junior defence counsel Danielle Buckett suggested the witness was "mistaken" about hearing the man in blue say "come outside and fight me."
The witness firmly rejected the suggestion, telling the court: "No, that I clearly remember." She also stated she did not see the passenger shouting or pointing at the defendants. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE SUGGESTS ENGLISH MAY HAVE BEEN SPOKEN
Under questioning from the defence, Ms. Pakalne conceded that it was "possible" that those involved in the incident were speaking English.
This follows her earlier testimony where she stated she "didn't think" the argument was in English and could not understand what was being said. ⬇️
🔴 "COME OUTSIDE AND FIGHT ME"
The jury heard that after the initial confrontation, the man in the blue shirt issued a challenge to the passenger.
According to Ms. Pakalne, the defendant said: "Come outside and fight with me," as the situation in the Starbucks cafe continued to escalate. ⬇️
🔴 BARISTA IDENTIFIES "MAN IN BLUE" AS AGGRESSOR
Justine Pakalne told jurors that it was the man wearing a blue shirt who delivered the headbutt to the other male.
The witness confirmed that after the strike, the argument continued between the parties in the cafe area before the group eventually moved on. ⬇️
🔴 HEADBUTT DELIVERED AT STARBUCKS COUNTER
The jury heard a direct account of the moment the verbal dispute turned physical.
Ms. Pakalne testified: "Then they kept arguing and he headbutted the family guy." She noted that the confrontation happened while the victim was in the process of ordering drinks for his family. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS DID NOT BELIEVE ARGUMENT WAS IN ENGLISH
Under questioning, the witness stated that she "didn't think" the group was speaking in English during the confrontation.
She told the court that while she could hear the parties arguing, she could not understand the specific content of what was being said between the two men and the woman. ⬇️
🔴 THREE INDIVIDUALS CONFRONTED "FAMILY GUY"
The witness described the moment the situation escalated, noting that two men and one woman entered the cafe and approached a male customer.
Ms. Pakalne stated: "They confronted the family guy who was ordering drinks. They started arguing about something I could not understand." ⬇️
🔴 STARBUCKS BARISTA TAKES THE STAND
The prosecution has called its next witness, Justine Pakalne, who was working as a barista at the Terminal 2 Starbucks on July 23, 2024.
Ms. Pakalne was positioned at the counter serving customers when the incident involving the defendants and the Ismaeil family took place. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS COMPLETES EVIDENCE IN COURT 41
Cameron Cartledge has finished his testimony and has been released by the court.
The final stage of his evidence focused on the specific verbal nature of the Starbucks argument, specifically regarding the defence's assertion that threats were made in English by the passenger. ⬇️
🔴 MANAGER DENIES HEARING DEATH THREATS
Under final questioning from the Prosecution, the witness was asked if he would have been in a position to hear threats such as "I will smash you" or "I will f****** kill you" had they been shouted in English.
Mr. Cartledge replied: "If they had happened, I would have heard it." He confirmed to the jury that he did not hear any such alleged threats during the confrontation. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION ADDRESSES DEFENCE CASE ON THREATS
Paul Greaney KC addressed the jury regarding the core of the defence's position.
The court heard that the defence case maintains Mr. Ismaeil was shouting threats toward Mohammed Fahir Amaaz in English throughout the encounter, a claim the Starbucks manager has now formally disputed in the witness box. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES FOR AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session has commenced at Liverpool Crown Court following the lunch break.
The proceedings opened with the conclusion of the cross-examination of the Starbucks duty manager, as the court continues to hear evidence regarding the initial events of July 23, 2024. ⬇️
🔴 LIVE: DAY 2 - 14 APRIL 2026 - AFTERNOON PM SESSION
LIVE COURT REPORTING ⬇️
🔴 "BARRAGE OF BLOWS" DEFENDED BY PC
PC Marsden maintained his estimate that he received 15 to 20 punches, describing it as a "barrage of blows." He rejected the defense's suggestion that only five or six punches were thrown during the struggle ⬇️
14:58
🔴 DEFENDANT STILL DEEMED A "THREAT"
Despite the defendant's position, the officer told jurors he still regarded Mr Amaad as a threat. He stated that after the "flurry of blows" to his head, the male still needed to be handcuffed ⬇️
14:56
🔴 SURRENDER POSITION VS GUN STANCE
The court examined a still image of the officer in a "gun stance" with his Taser. While the defense claimed Mr Amaad was in a "surrender position," the officer stated his own actions were a response to being attacked ⬇️
14:54
🔴 PC: ATTACK WAS "UNPROVOKED"
PC Marsden told the jury the entire incident was "an unprovoked attack to begin with." He used this to justify his continued use of force and the deployment of his Taser during the confrontation ⬇️
14:52
🔴 "THEY DIDN'T JUST JUMP OFF": PC ON GLASSES
The officer disputed the claim that Mr Amaad did not punch his glasses off his face. "In the most respectful manner, they didn't just jump off my face," the officer testified to the jury ⬇️
14:50
🔴 "DANGEROUSLY OUT OF CONTROL" CLAIM REJECTED
PC Marsden flatly denied the suggestion that he was "dangerously out of control." He countered the defense's characterization by stating he was an "officer in danger" during the melee ⬇️
14:48
🔴 OFFICER DENIES UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOUR
Under intense questioning, PC Marsden insisted his behavior was not "completely unlawful." He maintained his stance that every physical action was a direct response to being under active assault ⬇️
14:46
🔴 FOOTAGE OF PAY STATION REVIEWED AGAIN
The jury is once again viewing CCTV from the pay station. The defense is using the video to challenge the officer's narrative of who initiated the physical violence in the car park ⬇️
14:44
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION INTENSIFIES ON DAY NINE
Chloe Gardner continues to press the officer on his interpretation of the CCTV evidence. The discrepancy between the officer's written statement and the video footage remains a key focus ⬇️
14:42
🔴 PC STANDS BY "LAWFUL FORCE"
The officer told the court that his actions were a calibrated attempt to protect himself and his colleagues. He denied that the escalation was caused by his own tactical failures or lack of restraint ⬇️
14:40
🔴 OFFICER: "I WAS BEING ATTACKED"
When accused of unlawful conduct, PC Marsden repeatedly told the court, "No, I was being attacked." He argued that his primary concern was his own safety and that of the public ⬇️
14:37
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES FOR AFTERNOON SESSION
The jury has returned to Liverpool Crown Court. PC Zachary Marsden is back in the witness box to continue his evidence under cross-examination by the defense for Muhammad Amaad ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL ADJOURNS FOR LUNCH RECESS
The court has adjourned for the midday break following the conclusion of the Starbucks manager's evidence.
Proceedings are expected to resume this afternoon as the prosecution continues to call witnesses regarding the events at Terminal 2. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS DENIES BEING "MISTAKEN" ABOUT LANGUAGE
Under cross-examination, Imran Khan KC suggested the men were actually arguing in English. Mr. Cartledge disagreed, insisting the men were speaking in a language he could not understand.
The witness also denied hearing Mr. Ismaeil make any threats to "smash" or "kill" Mr. Amaaz during the altercation. ⬇️
🔴 STARBUCKS MANAGER "SURE" PASSENGER DID NOT LUNGE
Mr. Cartledge told the jury he was "sure" he did not see Mr. Ismaeil step toward Mr. Amaaz just before the headbutt occurred.
When asked by the defence if he had effectively seen a "fight between two people," the witness responded that he did not remember seeing the passenger land any hits on Mr. Amaaz. ⬇️
🔴 VIRAL VIDEO DISCUSSED DURING CROSS-EXAMINATION
The defence questioned Mr. Cartledge on whether he had seen the "viral" footage of the later car park incident before giving his police statement.
The witness agreed he had seen the video of the kick meted out to Mr. Amaaz while he was on the floor prior to making his formal statement on July 26, 2024. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS’ FAMILY SEPARATED THE MEN
According to the witness, Mr. Amaad and the defendants' mother intervened immediately following the headbutt.
He described the pair "separating" the two men as Mr. Amaaz continued "trying to throw punches" which the witness did not believe connected with the passenger’s face. ⬇️
🔴 MANAGER: AMAAZ "SEEMED TO BE THE AGGRESSOR"
Asked about the tone of the argument, Mr. Cartledge stated that Mohammed Fahir Amaaz appeared to be the aggressor based on his body language and tone of voice.
He told jurors that it did not take long at all—"maybe just a few minutes"—before the verbal argument turned physical. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS SAW "HEADBUTT" BEFORE CALLING POLICE
Mr. Cartledge testified that he saw "male two" (Mr. Amaaz) headbutt "male one" (Mr. Ismaeil).
He confirmed to the jury that he did not see Mr. Ismaeil use any violence during the encounter, prompting him to call the police as the defendants’ group left the scene. ⬇️
🔴 STARBUCKS DUTY MANAGER GIVES EVIDENCE
The jury is now hearing from Cameron Cartledge, who was the duty manager at the Terminal 2 Starbucks at the time of the incident.
Mr. Cartledge is being questioned by lead prosecutor Paul Greaney KC regarding what he witnessed from his office next to the cafe. ⬇️
🔴 "RAISED VOICES" HEARD FROM CAFE OFFICE
The witness described hearing "raised voices" coming from the cafe area while he was working in the side office.
He noted to the jury that the voices did not sound like they were speaking English, which led him to stand up and investigate the disturbance. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS HAD "GOOD VIEW" OF ARGUMENT
Mr. Cartledge stated he had a "good" view of the argument, which involved three men, two other adults, and two children.
The prosecution identified the three men in the argument as the two defendants and the passenger, Mr. Ismaeil. ⬇️
🔴 POLICE ARRIVED "PRETTY QUICK" AFTER CALL
The court heard that airport police responded rapidly to the call from Starbucks.
However, by the time officers arrived at the cafe, Mr. Amaaz and his family had already departed and were heading toward the car park. ⬇️
🔴 RE-EXAMINATION OF SITE CCTV COMPLETED
Prior to the Starbucks manager taking the stand, the jury completed their review of the interactive terminal footage.
The focus has now shifted from the technical layout of the airport to direct eyewitness accounts of the first physical confrontation. ⬇️
🔴 POLICE DENY SELECTIVE USE OF CCTV
Under cross-examination, DS Bullivant denied claims that the prosecution’s still images were selected only to support the Crown’s case.
The officer told the jury that if an image assists the defence, it is still included in the bundle, stating, "You have got to be open and honest in all cases." ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE CROSS-EXAMINATION BEGINS
Imran Khan KC, representing Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, has begun his questioning of Detective Sergeant Bullivant.
The focus of the cross-examination is currently on the "jury bundle" and the process by which specific CCTV stills were chosen to represent the sequence of events. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES WITH GMP DETECTIVE
The proceedings have resumed at Liverpool Crown Court following the morning break.
Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant has returned to the witness box to continue her evidence as the officer in charge of the Greater Manchester Police investigation. ⬇️
🔴 COURT ADJOURNS FOR MORNING BREAK
Judge Neil Flewitt KC has called a temporary recess. The jury has been dismissed for a short break and will return to continue hearing the Prosecution's evidence shortly. ⬇️
🔴 INTERACTIVE FOOTAGE SHOWN TO JURY
The court is viewing "interactive" footage recorded by police at Terminal Two just three weeks ago.
This recording is designed to provide jurors with a contemporary perspective of the terminal’s layout, showing the exact lines of sight and views experienced by those involved on the day of the incident. ⬇️
🔴 CHRONOLOGY OF ESCALATION AT STARBUCKS
The jury was shown exactly when the situation turned physical. The summary quotes within the sequence of events document note the moment Mohammed Fahir Amaaz turned toward the passenger.
The documents confirm that after the exchange, the defendants and their mother left the cafe while Mr Ismaeil remained at the scene. ⬇️
🔴 CCTV CLIP PLAYED IN FULL FOR JURY
Following the examination of still images, the jury has been shown the full CCTV clip of the Starbucks confrontation.
The footage captures the entire interaction between the Amaaz brothers and the Ismaeil family, providing a real-time view of the events described in the prosecution’s opening. ⬇️
🔴 "SUMMARY QUOTES" DETAIL STARBUCKS STRIKES
The sequence of events document includes specific summary quotes from the Prosecution describing each move.
These include: "Mr Amaaz headbutts Mr Ismaeil once," and "Mr Amaaz punches Mr Ismaeil using his left hand." A further punch was allegedly thrown with the right hand as the confrontation escalated. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS’ MOTHER MOVED BROTHER AWAY
Evidence from the CCTV stills indicates that Mr Amaad and his mother intervened during the Starbucks incident.
The jury was told that the still images show the pair moving Mohammed Fahir Amaaz away from Mr Ismaeil in an attempt to defuse the situation before the group exited the cafe. ⬇️
🔴 JURORS EXAMINE CCTV STILL SEQUENCE
Detective Sergeant Bullivant is currently guiding the jury through a sequence of events document.
This document features key stills from CCTV footage recorded during the Starbucks incident, allowing jurors to scrutinize the specific movements of both the defendants and Mr Ismaeil. ⬇️
🔴 FOOTAGE SHOWS STARBUCKS ASSAULT
The jury is being shown a video presentation of the moments the defendants met their mother in the terminal. The footage captures Mr Ismaeil and his family in Starbucks, followed shortly by the arrival of Mr Amaaz.
The video shows the confrontation where Amaaz headbutted Mr Ismaeil in the face and delivered a punch before the group moved toward the car park. ⬇️
🔴 FOOTAGE SHOWS STARBUCKS ASSAULT
The jury is being shown a video presentation of the moments the defendants met their mother in the terminal. The footage captures Mr Ismaeil and his family in Starbucks, followed shortly by the arrival of Mr Amaaz.
The video shows the confrontation where Amaaz headbutted Mr Ismaeil in the face and delivered a punch before the group moved toward the car park. ⬇️
🔴 TERMINAL MOVEMENTS TRACKED ON VIDEO
Detective Sergeant Bullivant is currently guiding the jury through a video presentation of the arrivals hall.
The footage tracks the movements of Mr Ismaeil and his family through passport control and baggage collection, followed closely by the defendants’ mother, Mrs Akhtar, as they navigated the terminal. ⬇️
🔴 DETAILED JURY BUNDLE EXAMINED
DS Bullivant is taking jurors through a comprehensive folder of documents and images known as the jury bundle.
These documents are designed to assist the jury in following the timeline of events from the flight's arrival through to the incidents in the cafe and the payment station. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER IN CHARGE TAKES THE STAND
The prosecution has called its first witness, Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant.
DS Bullivant is part of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team and serves as the officer in charge of the case. She is being questioned by junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby. ⬇️
🔴 ESTABLISHING THE SCENE AT TERMINAL TWO
The evidence has turned to the layout of Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two on the evening of July 23, 2024.
The court is viewing images and diagrams to establish the distance between the arrivals area, the Starbucks cafe, and the parking payment machines where the violence occurred. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS PROVIDES CHRONOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
DS Bullivant is providing a chronological overview of the evening’s events based on recovered digital evidence.
This testimony aims to establish a clear timeline for the jury regarding when the defendants arrived at the airport and when the first report of a disturbance was made to police. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION CALLS FIRST WITNESS
The Crown’s oral evidence has formally commenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Junior counsel Adam Birkby has begun the examination of DS Bullivant, focusing on the visual evidence captured by airport CCTV and body-worn cameras. ⬇️
🔴 JURY HEARS OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has read a series of "agreed facts" to the jury. These are points that both the prosecution and defence agree are true.
The jury heard that Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court on July 30 last year for three specific offences related to this incident. ⬇️
🔴 DETAILS OF PREVIOUS ASSAULT CONVICTION
The first agreed fact relates to the assault on the passenger, Abdulkareem Ismaeil.
The jury was told that Mr Amaaz was previously convicted of "assault by beating" against Mr Ismaeil, stemming from the confrontation in the Starbucks cafe. ⬇️
🔴 CONVICTIONS FOR ATTACKS ON FEMALE OFFICERS
Agreed facts also confirmed Mr Amaaz’s previous convictions for attacking the two female officers present.
He was convicted of ABH against PC Lydia Ward and assault by beating against PC Ellie Cook. These convictions are now formally part of the record for this new jury. ⬇️
🔴 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR AGREED FACTS
The court heard that these convictions are being introduced to provide context for the current charges.
While Amaaz has been convicted of these specific counts, the current jury must decide if he and his brother are also guilty of the outstanding charges involving PC Zachary Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
The retrial of the Amaaz brothers has resumed before Judge Neil Flewitt KC.
The defendants are in the dock as the prosecution begins the process of calling witnesses to the stand to present the evidence in detail. ⬇️
🔴 TERMINAL MOVEMENTS TRACKED ON VIDEO
Detective Sergeant Bullivant is currently guiding the jury through a video presentation of the arrivals hall.
The footage tracks the movements of Mr Ismaeil and his family through passport control and baggage collection, followed closely by the defendants’ mother, Mrs Akhtar, as they navigated the terminal. ⬇️
🔴 DETAILED JURY BUNDLE EXAMINED
DS Bullivant is taking jurors through a comprehensive folder of documents and images known as the jury bundle.
These documents are designed to assist the jury in following the timeline of events from the flight's arrival through to the incidents in the cafe and the payment station. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER IN CHARGE TAKES THE STAND
The prosecution has called its first witness, Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant.
DS Bullivant is part of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team and serves as the officer in charge of the case. She is being questioned by junior prosecution counsel Adam Birkby. ⬇️
🔴 ESTABLISHING THE SCENE AT TERMINAL TWO
The evidence has turned to the layout of Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two on the evening of July 23, 2024.
The court is viewing images and diagrams to establish the distance between the arrivals area, the Starbucks cafe, and the parking payment machines where the violence occurred. ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS PROVIDES CHRONOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
DS Bullivant is providing a chronological overview of the evening’s events based on recovered digital evidence.
This testimony aims to establish a clear timeline for the jury regarding when the defendants arrived at the airport and when the first report of a disturbance was made to police. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION CALLS FIRST WITNESS
The Crown’s oral evidence has formally commenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Junior counsel Adam Birkby has begun the examination of DS Bullivant, focusing on the visual evidence captured by airport CCTV and body-worn cameras. ⬇️
🔴 JURY HEARS OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC has read a series of "agreed facts" to the jury. These are points that both the prosecution and defence agree are true.
The jury heard that Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court on July 30 last year for three specific offences related to this incident. ⬇️
🔴 DETAILS OF PREVIOUS ASSAULT CONVICTION
The first agreed fact relates to the assault on the passenger, Abdulkareem Ismaeil.
The jury was told that Mr Amaaz was previously convicted of "assault by beating" against Mr Ismaeil, stemming from the confrontation in the Starbucks cafe. ⬇️
🔴 CONVICTIONS FOR ATTACKS ON FEMALE OFFICERS
Agreed facts also confirmed Mr Amaaz’s previous convictions for attacking the two female officers present.
He was convicted of ABH against PC Lydia Ward and assault by beating against PC Ellie Cook. These convictions are now formally part of the record for this new jury. ⬇️
🔴 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR AGREED FACTS
The court heard that these convictions are being introduced to provide context for the current charges.
While Amaaz has been convicted of these specific counts, the current jury must decide if he and his brother are also guilty of the outstanding charges involving PC Zachary Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 TRIAL RESUMES AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
The retrial of the Amaaz brothers has resumed before Judge Neil Flewitt KC.
The defendants are in the dock as the prosecution begins the process of calling witnesses to the stand to present the evidence in detail. ⬇️
10:07
🔴 Trial due to resume
Good morning from court 41 at Liverpool Crown Court, where the Manchester Airport Attack retrial is resuming for its second day.
16:43
🔴 CASE ADJOURNED UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING
The prosecution has concluded its opening speech for the day. Judge Neil Flewitt KC has formally discharged the two alternate jurors after the main jury confirmed they were able to continue.
The trial is now adjourned and will resume at 10:00 AM tomorrow. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS MADE NO REPLY IN INTERVIEW
The court heard that following their detention, both brothers were interviewed by police regarding the events at Terminal 2.
Neither defendant offered any answers to the questions put to them by investigators, making "no reply" throughout the process. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION: "THIS CASE IS NOT COMPLICATED"
Closing his opening, Paul Greaney KC urged the jury to ignore attempts to over-simplify or over-complicate the facts.
He told the court the Crown's position is simple: both defendants used offensive and unlawful violence against PC Marsden, causing him actual bodily harm. ⬇️
🔴 JOINT ENTERPRISE IN OFFICER ASSAULT
The Crown alleges that even if one brother did not land the primary blow, they are both legally responsible.
The prosecution case is that each defendant either directly caused the ABH injuries to PC Marsden or actively encouraged the other to commit the assault. ⬇️
🔴 FEMALE OFFICER "BLED PROFUSELY" AT SCENE
The jury heard distressing details of the injuries sustained by PC Lydia Ward during the melee.
Her nose was broken and bled heavily, causing her "significant pain and distress." She also suffered lacerations, bruising, and swelling to her forehead and nose. ⬇️
🔴 PC MARSDEN SUFFERED POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME
The prosecution detailed the medical impact on PC Zachary Marsden following the alleged assault.
The officer reportedly suffered from severe headaches lasting three days, episodes of dizziness, forgetfulness, and physical difficulty when talking, alongside facial bruising and swelling. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER "FORTUNATE" TO ESCAPE WORSE INJURY
While two colleagues suffered significant trauma, the court heard that PC Ellie Cook was "fortunate."
She received what were described as relatively minor injuries to her forehead and jaw during the confrontation at the car park payment station. ⬇️
🔴 CROWN: FOOTAGE SHOWS OFFENSIVE CONDUCT
Paul Greaney KC reaffirmed to the jury that the defendants' claims of self-defence do not hold up against the visual evidence.
The prosecution stated the video shows the brothers' actions were "plainly offensive, not defensive" and represented the "very opposite" of a self-defence scenario. ⬇️
🔴 LEGAL ISSUES REMAIN FIXED ON CAR PARK START
Addressing the "shocking" footage of PC Marsden’s later actions, the Crown reminded the jury that the lawfulness of the defendants' conduct must be judged at the start.
The prosecution's stance is that the brothers cannot justify their initial violence by referencing what police did after the attack had already taken place. ⬇️
🔴 JURY URGED NOT TO BE DISTRACTED BY POLICE CONDUCT
Despite acknowledging the "disturbing" language used by PC Flanagan, the prosecution urged the jury to stay focused on the primary charges.
The Crown maintains that criticisms of the police's subsequent behavior are "logically entirely irrelevant" to whether the brothers assaulted PC Marsden unlawfully. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION: "THIS CASE IS NOT COMPLICATED"
The Crown has concluded its opening by urging the jury to focus on the core evidence. Paul Greaney KC stated that each defendant used violence against PC Marsden and acted offensively.
The prosecution maintains that both brothers either directly caused injuries amounting to ABH or encouraged the other during the assault. "Please avoid any efforts to make it complicated," Greaney told the jury. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER SUFFERED "POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME"
The court heard details of the injuries sustained by the three officers. PC Marsden suffered post-concussion syndrome, including severe headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness.
PC Ward’s broken nose "bled profusely" at the scene, causing significant pain and distress. PC Cook was described as "fortunate" to have escaped with relatively minor jaw and forehead injuries. ⬇️
🔴 CROWN REJECTS SELF-DEFENCE CLAIMS
Paul Greaney KC told the jury that the prosecution flatly rejects any assertion of self-defence.
He argued that the footage shown to the court demonstrates that the defendants' actions were "plainly offensive, not defensive." He described their conduct as the "very opposite" of self-defence. ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION ADDRESSES "SHOCKING" POLICE STAMP
The Crown acknowledged that footage of PC Marsden kicking and "stamping" toward Amaaz’s head looks "rather shocking in the cold light of day."
However, Mr Greaney argued these actions occurred after the defendants' violence and were fueled by an officer’s concern that his firearm might be taken at an international airport. ⬇️
🔴 CRITICISM OF "FOUL LANGUAGE" BY POLICE
The jury was told that another officer, PC Flanagan, spoke to the second defendant "aggressively" and used "foul language" during the arrests.
While admitting this "does him no credit," the prosecution urged jurors not to be distracted from the "real issue" of whether the brothers’ initial violence was unlawful. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER DRAGGED TO FLOOR BY NECK
The prosecution alleges Amaaz lunged at PC Marsden from behind while the officer was pointing a Taser at the other brother.
The court heard Amaaz threw a "powerful left hook" and grabbed the officer around the neck, dragging him to the floor even as a Taser was deployed against the defendant. ⬇️
🔴 FEMALE OFFICER "FELLED" BY LEFT HOOK
The jury heard that PC Ward "dropped to the floor immediately" after being punched in the face by Mr Amaaz.
Footage reportedly shows blood streaming from her nose as she was comforted by colleagues. The prosecution alleges Amaaz then turned back to PC Cook, causing her to fall over a baggage trolley. ⬇️
🔴 AMAAZ ACCUSED OF PUNCHING FEMALE OFFICERS
The Crown alleges that Mohammed Fahir Amaaz threw punches at the two female officers with his mobile phone in his hand to "lend weight" to the blows.
He is accused of striking PC Cook in the head, knocking her cap off, while she was attempting to prevent the other brother from assaulting PC Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 PC MARSDEN "CORNERED AND UNABLE TO MOVE"
The prosecution described a scene where PC Marsden was forced onto a seat and "repeatedly punched" by Muhammad Amaad.
The court heard that Amaad held the officer down with his right hand while delivering blows with his left. Only when PC Marsden managed to stand and draw his Taser did Amaad’s "demeanour change." ⬇️
🔴 STRUGGLE ERUPTS AT PAYMENT MACHINE
Jurors heard that a struggle began when PC Marsden attempted to apply a wrist lock to Mr Amaaz.
Muhammad Amaad is alleged to have intervened by grabbing the officer’s neck and pushing him down. This reportedly allowed Amaaz to free his arm and kick the officer. ⬇️
🔴 ARREST WAS "ENTIRELY LAWFUL" SAYS CROWN
The prosecution argued it was "obvious" why police had attended and that the arrest attempt was proper.
Mr Greaney stated that the public would have been critical if officers had not moved to arrest a man who had behaved in such an "obviously unlawful way" in front of children. ⬇️
🔴 "SENSE OF FEAR" ON BODYCAM FOOTAGE
The jury has been shown body-worn video from the officers involved. The prosecution noted that PC Marsden's camera stopped working because it was "damaged in the violence."
Mr Greaney told the court that the footage from PC Cook's camera gives a "real sense of the fear" generated by the defendants' conduct. ⬇️
🔴 TWELVE BLOWS IN THIRTY SECONDS
The prosecution detailed the speed of the escalation, claiming that within 30 seconds of police contact, Amaaz delivered "no fewer than 12 blows."
These allegedly included kicks, elbow strikes, and punches. Meanwhile, Mr Amaad is accused of delivering "repeated blows with his fists" to PC Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 ARMED OFFICERS ARRIVE AT TERMINAL 2
The court heard that PC Marsden and PC Cook, both armed with Glock 17 pistols, responded to the Starbucks report.
They were joined by PC Ward, an unarmed officer. They entered the pay station area at 20:28:06, exactly two minutes after the defendants had arrived there. ⬇️
🔴 "OUTNUMBERED" PASSENGER HEADBUTTED
Footage from Starbucks reportedly shows Mr Ismaeil "backed against a counter" and cornered by the defendants.
The Crown described a "sudden" headbutt from Amaaz to the passenger's face, followed by a punch. Amaaz's own family reportedly had to usher him away to defuse the situation. ⬇️
🔴 "MARCHING INTO CAFE" TO CONFRONT FAMILY
The jury was shown footage of the initial Starbucks incident. Paul Greaney KC argued that the brothers "could have avoided hostility" and continued to the car park.
Instead, the prosecution alleges Mohammed Fahir Amaaz "marched" into the cafe to assault Mr Ismaeil in front of the man's wife and children. ⬇️
🔴 CROWN: CONDUCT WAS OFFENSIVE NOT DEFENSIVE
In his closing remarks for the afternoon, Mr Greaney argued that the previous Starbucks conviction "proves he acted offensively."
The prosecution submits that since Amaaz acted unlawfully against the passenger, it is "more likely" he acted offensively rather than defensively when striking PC Marsden. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE ARGUMENT: ACTING IN SELF-DEFENCE
The prosecution addressed the expected defence, stating the brothers maintain they were acting in "lawful self-defence" or the "defence of each other."
Mr Amaaz reportedly goes further, claiming the previous jury was "wrong" to convict him of the assaults on Mr Ismaeil and the female officers. ⬇️
🔴 VIDEO EVIDENCE: JURY TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES
Mr Greaney told jurors the case is "not complicated" because the payment area confrontation was captured by CCTV and multiple police body-worn cameras.
The prosecution emphasized that the jury will not have to rely on witness memory alone, as they will "see with their own eyes" the nature of the violence. ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER SUFFERS BROKEN NOSE DURING MELEE
The jury heard that during the incident, Mr Amaaz assaulted PC Cook and then PC Ward. PC Ward reportedly suffered a broken nose in the attack.
Following these assaults, the prosecution alleges Amaaz returned to attacking PC Marsden. The specific details of these strikes will be shown to the jury via video. ⬇️
🔴 ALLEGATIONS OF HIGH LEVEL VIOLENCE
The Crown alleges that when officers tried to move Mr Amaaz away from the machine, he resisted and his brother Muhammad Amaad intervened.
Both defendants are accused of assaulting PC Marsden. The prosecution describes the conduct of both brothers as involving a "high level of violence" during the ensuing struggle. ⬇️
🔴 ARMED OFFICERS CONFRONT DEFENDANTS
The three responding officers were identified as PC Zachary Marsden (armed), PC Ellie Cook (armed), and PC Lydia Ward (unarmed).
Mr Amaaz was in the process of paying for his parking when the officers arrived. The prosecution states the officers moved in to arrest him for the previous assault. ⬇️
🔴 POLICE ALERTED AS BROTHERS LEAVE SCENE
The court heard that police were called to the Starbucks incident, but the brothers had already left for the Terminal 2 car park.
Officers tracked their movement and intercepted them minutes later. At 8:28pm, three officers arrived at the parking payment machines to confront the suspects. ⬇️
🔴 PREVIOUS CONVICTION FOR STARBUCKS ASSAULT
The Crown detailed how Mohammed Fahir Amaaz headbutted Mr Ismaeil in the face and punched him during the confrontation.
Mr Greaney informed the new jury that Amaaz was convicted of this assault at a trial last year, establishing that he has already been found guilty of beating Mr Ismaeil. ⬇️
🔴 MOTHER SPOTTED PASSENGER IN TERMINAL CAFE
Jurors heard the brothers met their mother in arrivals and walked toward the car park. As they passed a Starbucks, the mother spotted Mr Ismaeil inside with his family.
The prosecution alleges she pointed him out to her sons. At 8:20pm, the two defendants entered the cafe to confront him. ⬇️
🔴 DISPUTE ON FLIGHT FROM QATAR REVEALED
The prosecution identified a man named Abdulkareem Ismaeil as being on the same flight as the defendants' mother. He was travelling with his wife and three children.
Mr Greaney stated that "something happened" during or shortly after the flight involving the mother and Mr Ismaeil that left her "unhappy." ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION OPENS: AIRPORT REUNION TURNS SOUR
Paul Greaney KC has begun his opening statement. He told jurors the defendants had driven from Rochdale to Manchester Airport to collect their mother.
She was arriving on a flight from Pakistan, via Qatar. The Crown states that the events leading to the violence began shortly after her flight touched down on July 23. ⬇️
🔴 LEGAL COUNSEL FORMALLY INTRODUCED
The prosecution is being led by Paul Greaney KC. Representing the defense are high-profile silks Imran Khan KC for Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Chloe Gardner for Muhammad Amaad.
Judge Flewitt KC is currently addressing the twelve jurors, outlining their duties and the legal framework for the weeks ahead. ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANTS ENTER FORMAL NOT GUILTY PLEAS
The court heard the formal charges against the two brothers. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the assault of PC Zachary Marsden.
The incident date is cited as July 23, 2024. The jury was informed that this specific count is the central focus of the proceedings currently before Judge Neil Flewitt KC. ⬇️
🔴 JURY SELECTION COMPLETE IN COURT 41
After lengthy selection and vetting, a jury of twelve has been formally sworn in to hear the retrial. The panel consists of eight women and four men.
Two alternative jurors have also been selected to sit in for the early stages of the proceedings. The defendants, Mr Amaaz and Mr Amaad, are now seated in the dock. ⬇️
DAY 1: MORNING SESA
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Legal Preambles
The morning was dedicated to extensive legal arguments between the prosecution and defense counsel. These sessions involved:
• Submissions on specific points of law and trial directions.
• Administrative discussions regarding the management of the retrial.
• Portions of these discussions were conducted in private (in camera) to ensure legal protocols are strictly maintained.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Jury Selection (Ongoing)
Following the lunch break, the court moved into the jury selection phase.
• A panel of potential jurors has been brought forward.
• The selection process is currently active and has not yet concluded.
• Status Update: Contrary to earlier projections, the jury has not been sworn in. Selection is taking longer than anticipated as the court ensures the final twelve are thoroughly vetted for this high-profile case.
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