Latest news with #PCMarsden
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Airport armed police officer denies 'red mist' came over him when he kicked suspect in the head
Airport armed police officer denies 'red mist' came over him when he kicked suspect in the head PC Zachary Marsden told a court he suffered blows to the head and wanted to "stun" suspect Lawyer Aamer Anwar, centre, arrives at an earlier hearing with Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, left, and Muhammed Amaad, right (Image: Peter Powell/PA Wire ) A police officer has denied he kicked a prone suspect in the head because he was 'furious'. PC Zachary Marsden told a court he was worried that his Glock semi-automatic weapon would be snatched during an alleged assault at Manchester Airport. PC claimed he was 'strangled' and suffered 10 to 15 blows to his head when he confronted two brothers at the Terminal 2 arrivals pay station car park on July 23 2024. Under cross examination at Liverpool Crown Court the officer defended his actions. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, both of Tarnside Close in Rochdale, deny assaulting armed police officers. They claim they acted in self-defence. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was captured throwing 10 punches, two 'elbow strikes' and one kick. Muhammad Amaad, was seen throwing six punches in CCTV footage played to the jury, the Manchester Evening News reports. Jurors were also shown footage of armed police officer PC Zachary Marsden, kicking Mr Amaaz in the face while he was on the ground after being Tasered. The video also appears to show the officerthen aim a stamp at his head. Under cross examination by Mr Amaaz's KC Imran Khan on July 8 PC Marsden agreed he kicked the suspect after he had been Tasered and was on the floort. The KC said Mr Amaaz was on the ground and he asked the constable whether he was aware he was speaking to his mother. "Not speaking to his mother. A person, yes," he replied. Article continues below PC Marsden said he 'could not comment' on what the woman was doing to Mr Amaaz. "It looks like she's got her hands on his back," he said. The KC suggested the person appeared to be caring for Mr Amaaz. The officer said he had only 'three seconds' to make a decision and what he saw was the woman start to pull Mr Amaaz away from him. "I wasn't looking at the woman. I was looking at the threat," he said. Asked by Mr Khan whether he was 'making things up as you go along', PC Marsden said: "I believe she's pulling him away from me." The officer added: "I have not watched this footage. I choose not to because of the distress it brings me." PC Marsden said at the time he was considering his options which included using pepper spray, his baton or whether to wait and see whether the suspect would 'attack me again'. The officer said he also had the option of using his firearm which he would only produce if someone was 'so dangerous' but this could 'possibly be fatal'. PC Marsden said he did not want Mr Amaaz to 'come to such harm'. He recalled shouting at Mr Amaaz 'multiple times'. The PC told the KC that he also had the option of firing his Taser again, but that would have meant disconnecting the barbs he had already fired into Mr Amaad and then reloading the stun gun. "These are seconds I did not have unfortunately," he told the court, "this incident was fast and quick and not at a quarter speed. I had to act fast." The PC said he opted to kick Mr Amaaz to 'disorient' and to 'stun' him as all his other options were 'exhausted' including 'doing nothing'. "Are you telling the jury you thought of all those options within that second? When the safest option was to kick somebody in the head?" asked Mr Khan. "Yes," answered the officer. "It wasn't the safest option was it?" said the KC and the officer replied: "That's your opinion, not mine." The PC told the KC he agreed a kick to the head could cause brain damage. When he said it could also kill someone, the PC said: "I would argue so would a gunshot." "That's the safest option for you is it? Is that right?" asked the KC. "Yes," said the witness. "In the head?," said the KC and PC Marsden said 'yes'. Mr Khan told the officer he could have made a kick to the stomach, but PC Marsden said Mr Amaaz was lying face down. When it was suggested other parts of the body were available to kick, the officer said that was not an 'option'. Mr Khan suggested the officer was 'furious' at being attacked but the PC replied that these were 'your words, not mine'. "You grabbed him round the neck because the red mist had fallen from your eyes," said Mr Khan. "No," replied the officer. The KC said the kick had been 'pretty harsh' but the PC said 'no it wasn't'. He said it was just hard enough to 'achieve the desired effect' and 'stun' the Mr Amaaz. Mr Khan described it as 'gratuitous' and a 'loss of control'. "No it wasn't," the officer responded. Article continues below Mr Amaaz denies assaulting a member of the public, Abdulkareem Hamzah Abbas Ismaeil, by beating him on July 23, 2024, at Manchester Airport. He also denies a second charge that he assaulted PC Marsden causing actual bodily harm. The defendant also denies a third charge alleging he assaulted PC Lydia Ward causing actual bodily harm. He also denies a fourth charge against him alleging he assaulted, by beating, an emergency worker, PC Ellie Cook. Co-defendant Amaad, his brother, denies a single charge, namely that he also assaulted PC Marsden.
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Officer's Taser push on mother's face justified
A police officer at the centre of a violent clash at Manchester Airport has claimed that bruises found on the mother of one of the suspects were partly inflicted by her son- not just by police. PC Zachary Marsden admitted pushing his Taser in her face as she leant over Muhammad Amaad's prone body but denied 'losing control' in the alleged assault on July 23 last year. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to a reported assault at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals, when Mr Amaaz is said to have headbutted a customer. On Wednesday, jurors at Liverpool Crown Court were shown a photograph of injuries to the face of the defendants' mother, said to have been sustained as PC Zachary Marsden attempted to arrest Mr Amaaz at the T2 car park paystation area. CCTV footage played to the jury showed Mrs Akhtar knelt near to her son on the floor after a Taser discharge felled him. Cross-examining PC Marsden, Imran Khan KC, defending Mr Amaaz, said: 'Did you cause the injury as a result of your conduct on July 23?' The Greater Manchester Police firearms officer said: 'I believe it is unclear whether or not it was my actions that caused those injuries. I believe I was not the only person who made contact with Mrs Akhtar.' Mr Khan said: 'I am suggesting that it was you who caused that injury by hitting her with a Taser?' PC Marsden said: 'I firmly believe that you can't wholly attribute my actions to those injuries.' The officer said he believed Mr Amaad had struck his own mother during the disturbance. Mr Khan said: 'Did you push the Taser you were holding into Mrs Akhtar at the time she was tending to Mr Amaaz?' PC Marsden said: 'I did, yes.' Mr Khan said: 'Did you think that was justified?' PC Marsden said: 'In the circumstances, yes, I did. 'She grabbed my left leg. Using my left hand, I have taken hold of her grip to remove it. She clamped on to my left hand pulling me forward. 'I was being pulled over Mr Amaaz and at risk of falling on top of him and being vulnerable.' Mr Khan said: 'I am going to suggest to you that was unnecessary. This was a hard push by your Taser on Mrs Akhtar's face?' PC Marsden said: 'I disagree.' Mr Khan said: 'She was concerned for Mr Amaaz. She was not a threat. She was not interfering with anything you were doing and this was conduct, I suggest, where you have lost control.' PC Marsden said: 'I would deny that.' Mobile phone footage was also played to the jury of PC Marsden later using Pava incapacitant spray on a bystander who he said was effectively 'shielding' another man who officers wanted to detain for obstructing their duties. PC Marsden told the court he deployed the tactic because events were 'beyond verbal reasoning'. The officer was then seen to grab the man around the neck and pull him to the floor, Mr Khan said. Mr Khan said: 'How do you justify putting your hands around a man's neck?' PC Marsden said: 'Immediately prior, I had been subjected to the most violent assault of my life. 'I was now terrified that we are on the tipping point of another volatile situation. They were complicit in watching us being violently assaulted. 'I used pre-emptive force. I was in pain, exhausted and wanted to try the best I could to effect an arrest.' Mr Khan said: 'Was he doing anything that required Pava spray in the face?' PC Marsden said: 'My fear was that he would be combative and we would end up with another hostile fight that I didn't want to happen.' Cross-examining PC Marsden, Chloe Gardner, defending Mr Amaad, said: 'I suggest that you and your colleagues were the aggressors.' PC Marsden said: 'I can only account for my actions. I deny what you allege.' He also denied her suggestions that he failed to exercise any self-control and did not act with integrity. PC Marsden 'strongly disagreed' with another suggestion that he had not been honest with the jury. 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 PC Ellie Cook and the earlier Starbucks assault of Abdulkareem Ismaeil. Mr Amaad is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. The trial continues. MORE: Five Manchester United stewards removed from work at club over alleged assault MORE: Ex-Asda manager jailed after smuggling 30kg of cannabis into Manchester Airport MORE: EasyJet flight to Turkey diverted back to UK airport after 'passenger issue'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Officer who kicked man in the head during Manchester airport brawl says he acted ‘professionally'
THE police officer filmed kicking a man in the head during an airport brawl has told a court he acted 'professionally'. Firearms cop Zachary Marsden has Advertisement 3 Firearms cop Zachary Marsden has said he acted 'professionally' 3 Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, left, and Muhammed Amaad, right, are accused of assault Credit: PA PC Marsden told a jury he was trying to arrest Amaaz for Marsden said he was aware of the "crowd dynamic' in the pay station area and wanted to remove Amaaz from the area in case of an adverse crowd reaction. He said: 'Based on my experience as a police officer, affecting an arrest in a crowd can create its own crowd dynamic risk. "It would be better to remove him from the crowd. Advertisement READ MORE ON UK NEWS 'I did not want to operate within the crowd which could give them the opportunity to escalate the situation." Both brothers, from Rochdale, deny assault charges and claim they acted in self defence. Their lawyer Imran Khan KC told Liverpool crown court Amaaz saw PC Marsden aim his Taser at his brother and may have believed it was a gun. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The trial continues. Moment man 'headbutted dad at Manchester airport before brawling with cops' 3 PC Marsden has admitted kicking Mohammed Fahir Amaaz while he was on the ground Credit: PA
ITV News
6 days ago
- ITV News
Police Officer says he was 'professional' in Manchester airport incident with brothers
A police firearms officer allegedly assaulted by two brothers at Manchester Airport has told a jury his behaviour on the day of the incident was 'professional'. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to a reported assault at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals on July 23 2024, when Amaaz is said to have headbutted a customer. PC Zachary Marsden was one of three officers who shortly after approached Amaaz in T2's car park paystation area with a view to arrest him, Liverpool Crown Court has heard. The Crown say Amaaz resisted and his brother then intervened as they subjected the three officers to a 'high level of violence'. Cross-examining PC Marsden on Tuesday, Imran Khan KC, defending Amaaz, said: 'It is his case that last year on July 23 you made a series of mistakes, some or all which were not in accordance with your police training which ultimately resulted in your conduct falling below the professional standards required of a police officer. 'And you used unlawful force against him, leaving him to defend himself and his brother.' Mr Khan added: 'You went in, all three of you, and held on to Mr Amaaz which rendered your actions unlawful because the force used was unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary.' Jurors heard that PC Marsden has served Greater Manchester Police for about five years following a spell as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary. The officer had regular duties at the airport as an authorised firearms officers since April 2023. Mr Khan asked him: 'As far as you personally are concerned, how would you characterise your performance as a police officer in general?' PC Marsden said: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'In relation to the events we are dealing with, how would you assess your performance as a police officer that day?' PC Marsden repeated: 'Professional.' Mr Khan said: 'Having looked at the CCTV, do you consider there were any aspects of your performance that fell below the standards required of a police officer that day?' 'No, said PC Marsden. PC Marsden said he had received a report of 'two Asian males fighting outside Starbucks' and on arrival was told by a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, that he had been headbutted by a male in a blue tracksuit who had made off towards the car park. Mr Khan said: 'You potentially had two suspects or two victims. 'It appears you were taking Mr Ismaeil's word for it?' PC Marsden replied: 'It's unfortunate I was not able to talk to the male in blue as he attacked me before I could engage in any form of communication.' He said his plan was to escort the suspect from the crowd in the paystation area and to arrest him outside where he would have radio signal and a 'line of sight' of his colleagues. Mr Khan suggested that announcing his presence as a police officer as he entered the area would have been 'one of the better options', PC Marsden said: 'I did not deem that to be a safe option. 'My honestly held belief was that it was not appropriate to explain our attendance in the hope that he would comply and leave with us. 'Based on my policing experience, someone who has been violent once is more likely to be violent again when challenged.' 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 PC Ellie Cook and the earlier assault of Mr Ismaeil. Amaad is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. Mr Khan said to PC Marsden: 'Is the position this, that throughout the incident the force you used was justified, proportionate and reasonable?' 'Yes,' said PC Marsden. The witness said he was met with initial resistance from Amaaz so decided to put his hand on the back of the suspect's neck and push him downwards to knock him off balance. Mr Khan said: 'Had you considered that might be frightening to Mr Amaaz, what you were doing?' PC Marsden said: 'No. My concerns were my safety and my colleagues' safety.' As the second defendant intervened the officer threw two punches, the court heard. Mr Khan said: 'You are the first person to throw any blows in this incident, aren't you?' PC Marsden said: 'A pre-emptive strike, yes.' Explaining why he later kicked Amaaz to the head while he was on the floor, PC Marsden told the court: 'I had to act fast. I could see him getting off the floor. 'I wanted to stun him to buy valuable seconds and go down and make an arrest.' Mr Khan said: 'It was not necessary for you to kick his head.' PC Marsden said: 'I disagree.' Mr Khan said: 'You must have been furious at this point.' PC Marsden: 'They are your words, not mine.' Mr Khan said: 'You had been grabbed around the neck, you had blows rained upon you. Do you think the red mist must have fallen on your eyes?' 'No,' said PC Marsden. Mr Khan said: 'It was a pretty hard kick, wasn't it?' Mr Khan said: 'This was red mist. You had lost control. This was gratuitous.' PC Marsden said: 'No it wasn't.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Manchester Airport PC tells trial conduct was 'professional' in brawl
A police firearms officer allegedly assaulted by two brothers at Manchester Airport has told a jury his behaviour on the day of the incident was "professional".Mohammed Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to an incident at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals in July last year, when Mr Amaaz is said to have headbutted a Zachary Marsden was one of three officers who approached Mr Amaaz shortly after in the car park pay station area to arrest him, Liverpool Crown Court said Mr Amaaz resisted and his brother then intervened as they subjected the three officers to a "high level of violence". Imran Khan KC, defending Mr Amaaz, said it was his case that PC Marsden "made a series of mistakes some or all which were not in accordance with your police training".While cross-examining PC Marsden, he said this "ultimately resulted in your conduct falling below the professional standards required of a police officer."And you used unlawful force against him, leaving him to defend himself and his brother."Mr Khan said: "You went in, all three of you, and held on to Mr Amaaz which rendered your actions unlawful because the force used was unjustified, disproportionate and not necessary."Jurors heard PC Marsden has served Greater Manchester Police for about five years following a spell as a special constable with Lancashire officer had regular duties at the airport as an authorised firearms officers since April Khan asked him: "As far as you personally are concerned, how would you characterise your performance as a police officer in general?"PC Marsden said: "Professional."Mr Khan said: "In relation to the events we are dealing with, how would you assess your performance as a police officer that day?"PC Marsden repeated: "Professional."Mr Khan said: "Having looked at the CCTV, do you consider there were any aspects of your performance that fell below the standards required of a police officer that day?""No, said PC Marsden. 'Attacked me' PC Marsden said he had received a report of "two Asian males fighting outside Starbucks" and on arrival was told by a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, that he had been headbutted by a male in a blue tracksuit who had made off towards the car Khan said: "You potentially had two suspects or two victims."It appears you were taking Mr Ismaeil's word for it?"PC Marsden said: "It's unfortunate I was not able to talk to the male in blue as he attacked me before I could engage in any form of communication."He said his plan was to escort the suspect from the crowd in the pay station area and to arrest him outside where he would have radio signal and a "line of sight" of his colleagues. Mr Khan suggested that announcing his presence as a police officer as he entered the area would have been "one of the better options", to which PC Marsden replied: "I did not deem that to be a safe option.""My honestly held belief was that it was not appropriate to explain our attendance in the hope that he would comply and leave with us," PC Marsden said."Based on my policing experience, someone who has been violent once is more likely to be violent again when challenged."Mr Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden and PC Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily is also accused of the assault of PC Ellie Cook and the earlier assault of Mr Amaad is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden, causing actual bodily men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the trial continues. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
