A man, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for assaulting two female police officers at Manchester Airport. During the incident on July 23, 2024, Amaaz punched PC Lydia Ward, causing her nose to break, and also assaulted PC Ellie Cook by throwing punches, elbow strikes, and a kick.

Sgt Ward, who was a PC at the time, expressed fear and trauma due to Amaaz’s attack, describing it as terrifying and cowardly. She highlighted the physical and emotional impact of the assault, including a broken nose and lingering questions about the incident.

PC Cook, a firearms officer, described the attack as life-changing, stating that it led to emotional distress and physical ailments, forcing her to give up her role. The prosecution detailed how Amaaz’s violent actions endangered the officers and emphasized the distress caused, especially to the children witnessing the altercation.

In his defense, Amaaz’s legal team portrayed him as a caring individual from a police family who reacted impulsively to protect his mother. They argued that the incident was not premeditated and stemmed from a desire to help others. Despite being found guilty of various charges, including assault, the defense highlighted Amaaz’s lack of prior criminal history and potential for rehabilitation.

The court proceedings involving Amaaz and his brother, who also faced charges related to the incident, resulted in mixed outcomes. While Amaaz was convicted on certain counts, his brother was cleared of charges after multiple trials. The case attracted public attention through viral social media footage and ongoing scrutiny by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.