Story perspectives

CPS Drops Third Trial; Duo Acquitted of Airport Assault

5/29/2026

Center

CPS Declines Trial

The Crown Prosecution Service declined a third trial, citing the legal presumption against further proceedings.
Muhammad Amaad and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz were found not guilty of assaulting an officer at Manchester Airport after juries deadlocked.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation is advanced, with new October 2025 evidence.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson expressed disappointment with prosecution outcome while noting ongoing investigation.

Left

CPS Declines Trial

Body-worn camera footage of July 2024 Manchester Airport altercation sparked protests at Rochdale station and a debate over police conduct.
The Crown Prosecution Service declined to seek a third trial for the July 2024 Manchester Airport incident.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened a criminal investigation into the officer for assault.
Aamer Anwar reported Islamophobic abuse of the family and a formal complaint to the watchdog.

Blindspot

Left coverage emphasized the public protests, the family’s claim of racist and Islamophobic abuse, and Mayor Andy Burnham’s call for accountability, which are not mentioned in the Center summary.
Center coverage focused on the CPS legal presumption, the prosecutor’s statement, and the Chief Constable’s reaction, without reference to the protests or the family’s abuse allegations highlighted by the Left.

History

Historical Context

Stephen Lawrence’s 1993 murder spurred the 1999 Macpherson Inquiry, which produced a report of over 100,000 pages and 70 reform recommendations, including changes to double-jeopardy law. The October 2025 IOPC probe of the July 2024 Manchester Airport clash revives those accountability demands, targeting officers such as Sir Stephen Watson and citing Aamer Anwar’s claims of Islamophobic abuse.

1 of 4

CPS Declines Trial

The Crown Prosecution Service declined a third trial, citing the legal presumption against further proceedings.
Muhammad Amaad and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz were found not guilty of assaulting an officer at Manchester Airport after juries deadlocked.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation is advanced, with new October 2025 evidence.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson expressed disappointment with prosecution outcome while noting ongoing investigation.

1 / 4