Jurors have returned to court for day seven of the Manchester Airport trial, with PC Zachary Marsden continuing his evidence for a second day.
Giving evidence at Liverpool Crown Court, the armed officer told jurors he believed he was being choked and faced a serious threat during the incident in the Terminal Two pay station.
“I firmly believe he was trying to choke me and incapacitate me,” PC Marsden said, adding that he viewed the defendant as “the greatest threat to myself and others”.
He told the court he attempted to use his radio to call for help but found it was no longer functioning after being damaged during the struggle.
PC Marsden said he issued verbal commands to the suspect to stay on the ground but claimed the man did not comply and appeared ready to continue the attack.
“I was near exhaustion at this stage. I don’t believe I could have sustained any more punches or blows,” he said.
The officer told jurors he considered multiple options, including PAVA spray, a baton and his firearm, but ruled them out, stating he wanted to avoid causing fatal injury.
He said he then delivered a kick to the suspect’s face, which he described as necessary to prevent him getting up and attacking again.
Asked about the action, he confirmed: “Yes,” when it was put to him that he had kicked the suspect in the face.
PC Marsden denied acting out of anger or revenge, telling the court his intention was to “subdue the threat” and regain control.
He also addressed footage showing him stamping down, saying his aim was to pin his radio wire to the ground to prevent it being used to pull him during the struggle.
Under cross-examination, defence barrister Imran Khan KC challenged the officer’s actions, suggesting he failed to gather sufficient information, did not form a clear plan and used unlawful force.
The defence alleged the officer assaulted the defendant, including kicking and stamping on his head, and argued the defendant had acted in self-defence.
“I completely disagree,” PC Marsden replied to the allegations.
He accepted he had not told the suspect he was under arrest when first taking hold of him but said he was not required to do so at that moment.
The officer maintained the situation was “time critical” and said his priority was to locate and arrest a suspect believed to have committed a violent assault moments earlier.
He told jurors he believed it would have been unsafe to carry out an arrest inside a crowded pay station and instead intended to move the suspect outside.
The court also heard evidence of the officer’s injuries, including head trauma, jaw pain and symptoms consistent with post-concussion syndrome.
The trial has now been adjourned and will resume tomorrow at 11am.