I'd do it all again, says suspect accused of punching police officer six times
Muhammad Amaad, 26, is alleged to have used a 'high level of violence' against Pc Zachary Marsden after he and two female colleagues tried to arrest his brother, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz.
The Greater Manchester Police officers entered the Terminal 2 car park pay station after reports that a man fitting Mr Amaaz's description had headbutted a member of the public inside the airport just minutes before on July 23 last year.
Credit: CPS
Under cross-examination on Tuesday, Mr Amaad denied that his use of force was unlawful or offensive, as he said he sought to defend himself and his brother, as he believed they were 'under attack'.
Prosecutors say Mr Amaad took hold of Pc Marsden's right arm as the officer restrained Mr Amaaz, 20, and then grabbed Pc Marsden by the throat and neck.
The Crown says he went on to push the officer back and down on to a nearby seated area before he punched him six times.
Cross-examining on Tuesday, junior counsel Adam Birkby said: 'The prosecution's case is that during the incident at the pay station your use of force was offensive. It was not defensive. Do you agree or disagree?'
Mr Amaad said: 'I disagree.'
Mr Birkby said: 'And that level of force, in particular the six punches, was unreasonable.'
'No, I disagree,' said the defendant.
Mr Birkby said: 'And your use of force was unlawful.'
Mr Amaad said: ' I disagree.'
Mr Birkby said: 'On reflection ... is there anything about your behaviour that you would change?'
'No,' said Mr Amaad.
Mr Amaad has told the jury that he initially sought to defend his younger brother, who he thought was being choked by Pc Marsden.
He said he then acted in self-defence to free himself from the grip of Pc Marsden, who he said punched him first.
His barrister Chloe Gardner asked: 'Did you believe you was under attack?'
Mr Amaad said: 'Absolutely.'
Credit: CPS
Mr Amaad is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.
Mr Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm.
He is also accused of the assault of emergency worker Pc Ellie Cook, and the earlier assault of a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a Starbucks cafe in T2 arrivals.
Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations.
The trial continues.
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