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A 20 year old student of Pakistani origin, Muhammad Faher Amaz, has been found guilty of assaulting two police officers and a member of the public during a violent altercation at Manchester Airport in July 2024.
Following a three-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Amaz was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to PC Lydia Ward and assaulting PC Eli Cook, as well as attacking a man named Abdul Karim Ismail at a Starbucks café in the arrivals area.
The incident gained widespread attention after videos circulated on social media showing police officers using a Taser and forcefully arresting Amaz.
Public outrage led to protests and accusations of police brutality.
Police had responded to reports of an assault at the airport when they encountered Amaz and his brother. A struggle broke out near a car park ticket machine.
Prosecutors said Amaz punched PC Ward in the face, breaking her nose, and knocked PC Cook to the ground.
Amaz claimed he acted in self-defense, fearing for his life. His lawyer argued that officers had used unlawful force without identifying themselves.
Video footage shown in court also captured PC Zachary Marsden kicking Amaz while he was on the ground.
While the jury found Amaz guilty on several counts, it failed to reach a verdict regarding the alleged assaults on PC Marsden and Amaz’s brother, Mohammed Imad.
A retrial is being considered.
The court heard that Amaz is currently undergoing hospital treatment for a brain tumor. He has been remanded in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled.
Greater Manchester Police stated that they are supporting the officers involved.
PC Marsden is under investigation by the police watchdog, though the Crown Prosecution Service has so far declined to charge him.
