Jury discharged in Manchester Airport assault trial as CPS considers third prosecution
The retrial jury failed to reach a verdict after nearly 20 hours of deliberation, with the Crown Prosecution Service given until May 29 to decide whether to seek a third trial.
A retrial jury has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict over allegations that two brothers assaulted a police officer at Manchester Airport.
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, from Rochdale, had denied assaulting Greater Manchester Police officer PC Zachary Marsden at the car park pay station area of Terminal 2 on July 23, 2024.
The jury at Liverpool Crown Court had been directed that it could reach a majority verdict, but jurors were discharged after failing to do so after nearly 20 hours of deliberation.
What was the case about?
Police had approached the two brothers at the pay station after a separate incident at a coffee shop earlier in the terminal. The brothers told the court they had acted in lawful self-defence, or in defence of the other.
What happens next?
The case was adjourned until May 29 to give the Crown Prosecution Service time to decide whether it wants to seek a third trial.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "While we are disappointed a verdict could not be reached today, we respect the outcome of the court process."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was on trial for the Manchester Airport assault?
- Brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, from Rochdale, were on trial accused of assaulting a Greater Manchester Police officer.
- When did the alleged incident take place?
- The alleged altercation occurred at the Terminal 2 car park pay station at Manchester Airport on 23 July 2024.
- What happens next in the case?
- The Crown Prosecution Service has been given until 29 May to decide whether to seek a third trial against the two men.