Full Breakdown
No Third Trial for Manchester Airport Assault Case After Two Hung Juries
5/29/2026, 8:10:50 PM
Decision to End Prosecution
On 29 May 2026 Liverpool Crown Court recorded not-guilty verdicts for Muhammad Amaad (26) and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz (21) on the charge of assaulting PC Zachary Marsden. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC said the CPS, after a high-level review, found no ‘exceptional circumstances’ or ‘extreme gravity’ to justify a third trial, and therefore declined to seek another retrial.
Background and Context
The incident unfolded on 23 July 2024 at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2. Video showed the brothers confronting PC Zachary Marsden after police were called to a disturbance. Greater Manchester Police said three officers suffered head injuries, including a broken nose, and a civilian, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, was assaulted. The footage sparked protests outside Rochdale police station and prompted an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) probe into police use of force.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 23 July 2024 – Brawl at Manchester Airport; officers injured.
- 30 June 2025 – First trial of Amaad and Amaaz begins.
- 30 July 2025 – Jury fails to reach verdict; second trial starts.
- 29 May 2026 – CPS declines a third trial; not-guilty verdicts recorded.
Data and Statistics
Two juries deliberated for a combined 19 hours after a five-week trial; the law presumes no third trial without ‘exceptional circumstances’ or ‘extreme gravity’.
Official Statements and Responses
The CPS said its review with police and the IOPC concluded the case did not meet the threshold for a third trial. The IOPC, at an ‘advanced stage’, noted new evidence and said investigations continue. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson expressed disappointment but affirmed respect for the court’s decision and support for officers.
Criticism and Opposition
The brothers’ solicitor argued they endured a ‘trial by social media’ that damaged them and urged the case be reopened. Their family, Aamer Anwar, said they faced ‘horrific, racist and Islamophobic’ abuse online. Reform UK MPs, led by Nigel Farage, wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urging a private prosecution if the CPS does not bring charges.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources list Amaaz’s age as 21, 19 or 25 and Amaad’s as 26 or 25. Reports also vary on the exact number and severity of officer injuries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Paul Greaney KC, Prosecutor
- “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.” — Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police
- “We will continue to cooperate fully with this investigation, and we look forward to its conclusion in due course.” — IOPC spokesperson
What’s Next
Amaaz will be sentenced for the earlier assaults on 26 June 2026, while the IOPC and GMP continue parallel investigations. Reform UK has signalled a possible private prosecution.
