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The complex institutional layers surrounding the Manchester Airport terminal altercations have entered a critical new phase, revealing deep internal friction within regional law enforcement. Following the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision on Friday, May 29, 2026, to decline a third trial for brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad regarding the alleged assault of an officer, public attention has shifted toward the professional status of their elder brother, an active police constable. It has emerged that this officer remains suspended under a serious, separate internal investigation into alleged racial discrimination within the Bury district of Greater Manchester Police.
The juxtaposition of familial loyalty and professional accountability came to a head at Liverpool Crown Court. During the recent legal proceedings, jurors were presented with a character reference from the elder sibling, PC Mohammed Abid, who described his youngest brother, Amaaz, as possessing a gentle, soft-spoken nature and a strong commitment to academic pursuits. However, the court was not informed that PC Abid himself is currently facing disciplinary proceedings for gross misconduct. He was one of eight officers suspended from duty following allegations that a colleague’s accent was mocked during an incident in December 2023. PC Abid strongly denies utilizing any racist language.
This development follows the definitive conclusion of the trial proceedings regarding the physical altercations at the airport’s Terminal 2 car park. Juries in two separate trials failed to reach consensus verdicts on whether the brothers had assaulted an officer, causing actual bodily harm. On Friday, Judge Neil Flewitt KC formally directed that not guilty verdicts be recorded for both men on that specific charge, determining that a third trial could not be legally justified. While Muhammad Amaad was cleared of all charges and walked free from court, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz remains in custody awaiting sentencing on separate convictions from the initial trial, where he was found guilty of assaulting two female officers and a civilian at a Starbucks cafe.
The legal representative for the family, Aamer Anwar, stated to journalists outside the courtroom that justice had finally been served after prolonged scrutiny. He strongly criticized what he described as targeted institutional focus on the clients' brother, categorizing the timing of the details emerging as a strategic effort to undermine the family's standing. Greater Manchester Police has firmly denied any unauthorized disclosure of information regarding the ongoing disciplinary matters.
Administratively, the force confirmed that a formal investigation conducted by its Professional Standards Directorate concluded that nine officers have a case to answer for gross misconduct regarding the Bury district allegations. Formal disciplinary hearings are currently being scheduled to determine the final outcomes. Concurrently, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is advancing its own distinct investigation into separate allegations of racism within the same district, highlighting the deep regulatory scrutiny currently focused on internal police culture.
The focus now moves to the upcoming judicial and disciplinary timelines. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is scheduled to face sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on June 26, 2026, for the convictions sustained during the first trial. Meanwhile, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson indicated to journalists that while the force respects the decision of the court regarding the airport incident, it remains fully engaged with the independent watchdog to ensure professional standards are strictly upheld across all commands as the disciplinary tribunals commence.
