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Sunday 22/02/2026

Brothers Accused of Assaulting Police at Manchester Airport Claim Self-Defence

Two brothers in a courtroom accused of assaulting police
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Two brothers, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, are accused of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport on 23 July 2024.
  • The incident followed an alleged assault by Mr. Amaaz on a Starbucks customer, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, which involved a headbutt and punches.
  • The brothers, from Rochdale, deny the charges, claiming self-defence, as the case unfolds at Liverpool Crown Court.
  • The prosecution presented CCTV footage and body-worn camera evidence to support their claims of a "high level of violence" used by the defendants.
  • The altercation reportedly began after a dispute involving the brothers' mother and Mr. Ismaeil, who were on the same flight from Qatar.

In a dramatic courtroom scene at Liverpool Crown Court, two brothers from Rochdale stand accused of violently assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport. The incident, which occurred on 23 July 2024, followed an altercation at a Starbucks café involving Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26.

Starbucks Confrontation

The trouble began when the brothers, at the airport to collect their mother arriving from Qatar, encountered Abdulkareem Ismaeil at a Starbucks in Terminal 2. According to the prosecution, Mr. Amaaz headbutted and punched Mr. Ismaeil, actions that were captured on CCTV. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute involving the brothers' mother and Mr. Ismaeil during their flight.

Airport Arrest and Assault

Police officers, responding to the Starbucks incident, tracked the brothers to the terminal's car park payment area. Armed officers PC Zachary Marsden and PC Ellie Cook, along with unarmed PC Lydia Ward, attempted to arrest Mr. Amaaz. The prosecution, led by Paul Greaney KC, described how the brothers resisted arrest, resulting in assaults on the officers. PC Ward sustained a broken nose during the encounter.

Court Proceedings

Both brothers deny the charges, claiming they acted in self-defence. The prosecution presented evidence, including CCTV and body-worn camera footage, to support their case of a "high level of violence" used by the defendants. The court heard that the brothers' actions were not only unlawful but also witnessed by several bystanders, including children.

Legal Context and Defense

The defense argues that the brothers were provoked and acted to protect themselves and their family. The case continues to unfold, with jurors tasked with examining the evidence presented by both sides.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the trial progresses, the court's decision could hinge on the interpretation of the CCTV and body-worn camera footage. If the jury finds the evidence compelling, the brothers could face significant legal consequences. Conversely, a successful self-defence claim might lead to their acquittal. The case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving public altercations and the challenges of proving intent and self-defence in a court of law. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could influence future cases involving similar charges of assault and self-defence claims.