The Crown Prosecution Service announced on Friday that two men accused of assaulting a police officer during a brawl at Manchester Airport will not face a second retrial after previous juries failed to reach verdicts.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC directed that not guilty verdicts be recorded for Muhammad Amaad, 26, and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, at Liverpool Crown Court following two deadlocked trials.
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The brothers had denied assaulting Greater Manchester PC Zachary Marsden at the terminal two car park pay station during an incident on July 23, 2024.
Amaaz, who appeared via videolink from prison, was previously convicted by another jury of assaulting two female officers, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, alongside a Starbucks customer.
He faces sentencing on June 26.
Prosecution Decision
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC outlined the decision against a second retrial, stating that the law carries a presumption against third trials unless exceptional circumstances exist.
"The Crown's assessment is that while the count on the indictment is serious and the case has attracted significant public interest, it cannot be properly described as one of extreme gravity," said Greaney.
The prosecutor added that the decision had been carefully evaluated at the highest legal level after jurors were discharged when they failed to reach a majority verdict.
The court previously heard that the altercation began after police approached the brothers following an earlier incident at a coffee shop, which escalated into a widespread disturbance captured on social media.
Both defendants maintained they acted in lawful self-defense or in defense of each other during the terminal confrontation.
Ongoing Investigations
An independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the force used by Greater Manchester Police officers remains active.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson expressed disappointment with the legal outcome but noted respect for the judicial process.
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"Whilst disappointed that the prosecution case was not fully endorsed, we respect the findings of the court and accept the outcome of the jury's thoughtful deliberations," said Watson.
The police chief emphasized the necessity of public support for officers who regularly face dangerous situations.
"We are cognisant of the ongoing IOPC investigation into the conduct of our officers," said Watson.
The police force committed to continuing its full cooperation with the independent watchdog as the inquiry moves toward a conclusion.
"It is vital that officers get the respect and support they deserve for routinely putting themselves in harm's way to protect the public," said Watson.
The IOPC stated that its investigation has progressed significantly following the discovery of new evidentiary material late last year.
"New evidence came to our attention in October 2025 and, there are now additional lines of inquiry for us to explore before we can finalise our decisions," said an IOPC spokesman.
Investigators are currently reviewing the gathered materials before determining the next steps in the case.
"IOPC investigators are now working through various strands of investigative material before any decisions are made on the next steps," said the spokesman.
The oversight body stated it will keep all involved parties informed as it works toward a swift resolution.
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"We will continue to keep the relevant parties updated as we work to conclude matters as swiftly as possible," said the spokesman.
