Prosecutors urge jurors not to be distracted by officer's actions at Manchester Airport trial

Prosecutors have urged jurors not to be distracted by a police officer's actions during a disturbance at Manchester Airport. The incident, which occurred on July 23 last year, was captured on mobile phone footage that went viral on social media.

Muhammad Amaad, 26, and Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, are on trial for allegedly assaulting PC Zachary Marsden, PC Lydia Ward, and PC Ellie Cook after they attempted to arrest Amaaz following reports of an earlier altercation.

The defendants, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the charges, claiming they acted in self-defense. Prosecutors allege that Amaaz resisted arrest, leading to a high level of violence against the officers.

Amaaz is accused of assaulting PC Marsden and PC Ward, causing them bodily harm, as well as assaulting PC Cook and another individual at a Starbucks cafe. Amaad is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden, causing bodily harm.

During closing arguments, the prosecutor emphasized that the focus should be on the violence used by the defendants, rather than the aftermath of the incident. The defense's claims were challenged, including Amaaz's assertion that he did not realize the gender of the officers he struck.

The defense argued that the incident could have been avoided if handled differently by PC Marsden. They claimed that the officers' actions were unlawful and criticized PC Marsden's behavior, including a kick and stamp on Amaaz. The defense contended that the officers' conduct was out of control and unjustifiable.

The defense also disputed PC Marsden's account of an incident involving the defendants' mother, alleging that the officer's actions were excessive and out of line. The defense maintained that the force used by the officers was unwarranted and that PC Marsden's behavior was a key factor in the escalation of the situation.