Retrial Set for 2026 Over Airport Assault on GMP Officer Amid Legal and Political Scrutiny

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A retrial has been ordered for April 2026 in the case of brothers Amaaz and Amaad, who are accused of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) to a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) armed officer during an incident at Manchester Airport last summer. The pair deny the charges relating to an altercation with PC Marsden, which occurred on 23 July 2024. No information regarding bail conditions has been released.

The original incident unfolded following a confrontation at a Starbucks outlet within the airport terminal. CCTV footage presented during earlier proceedings reportedly captured a violent exchange, including punches thrown at officers. The level of force used has raised concerns among both legal authorities and the wider public, particularly regarding the treatment of police personnel in uniformed roles.

Under English law, ABH is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as an assault that causes more than fleeting or minor harm, under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The legal benchmark, supported by case law such as R v Donovan [1934], requires the prosecution to demonstrate that the injuries inflicted were either intentional or reckless in nature.

The case has sparked broader political discussion, with some figures criticising what they describe as inconsistency in the application of the law. Conservative policing minister Chris Philp remarked that there is growing concern among the public about a perceived “two-tier approach to law and order,” particularly in high-profile incidents involving law enforcement.

An ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also examining the actions of officers during the confrontation. While the brothers face retrial, it is understood that disciplinary proceedings could be considered depending on the IOPC’s findings. However, police sources have defended the officers’ conduct, stating that the response was proportionate given the aggressive behaviour encountered.

The retrial is expected to refocus attention on both legal standards and policing policies at transport hubs, where tensions have occasionally escalated in recent years. The court’s eventual ruling may have implications for how future incidents of this nature are prosecuted and policed.