Defence lawyers told jurors today that police officers had “no lawful authority” when they grabbed Mohammed Fahir Amaaz at Manchester Airport, arguing their actions amounted to assault.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Imran Khan KC set out the defence case, stating that PCs Ellie Cook, Lydia Ward and Zachary Marsden unlawfully detained Amaaz at a pay station following an earlier incident inside a Starbucks café.
PC Cook accepted that she did not tell Amaaz he was under arrest or identify herself as a police officer at the moment she took hold of him, but insisted her actions were lawful.
Khan told jurors that failing to inform Amaaz he was under arrest made the officers’ actions unlawful. PC Cook rejected that claim, saying the situation was too volatile to provide full arrest details at that point.
She said officers prioritised securing Amaaz and moving him away from members of the public due to the level of violence they believed he had already shown.
Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the confrontation at the pay station, including moments where Amaaz struck PC Ward and exchanged punches with officers.
The defence argued Amaaz acted in self-defence and was trying to protect his brother, Amaad, who they claimed was under attack by police.
PC Cook rejected that account, maintaining that Amaaz was the aggressor.
The court also viewed slowed footage of PC Marsden kicking Amaaz to the head. When challenged, PC Cook agreed it was a head kick and told jurors she believed the force used by her colleague was “necessary, proportionate and reasonable”.
Further footage showed what was described in court as a “stamp” by PC Marsden, which PC Cook said she did not see at the time.
Defence lawyers also questioned whether officers had a clear plan before approaching Amaaz. PC Cook accepted there was no verbal agreement but said she relied on the experience of her colleagues.
Chloe Gardner, representing Amaad, told the court the officers’ actions were “chaotic” and unlawful, suggesting they escalated the situation. PC Cook rejected those claims.
In re-examination, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC asked why Amaaz was not immediately informed of his arrest. PC Cook said it was not practicable in the circumstances and reiterated that officers needed to secure him first.
The judge told jurors that PC Marsden is expected to give evidence when the trial resumes on Monday, adding that his testimony may take some time.
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