A police officer faces criminal investigation over allegedly leaking CCTV footage of the Manchester Airport incident to the media. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a separate probe into the alleged unauthorised disclosure of the video.
The Manchester Evening News published CCTV footage in July 2024, days after mobile phone clips showing a police officer kicking and stamping on a young Asian man went viral. The phone footage sparked widespread protests in Manchester city centre and outside Rochdale police station.
CCTV reveals fuller picture
The newspaper's CCTV footage provided crucial context, showing a female police officer being punched in the face before the controversial arrest actions. The protests stopped overnight after the fuller footage was published, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Last week Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of assaulting Pc Lydia Ward, causing actual bodily harm after breaking her nose. He was also found guilty of assaulting Pc Ellie Cook during the incident at Terminal 2 car park pay station on July 23.
Brothers face retrial
Amaaz and his brother Muhammad Ahmed, 26, both from Rochdale, will face a retrial next year over allegations they assaulted Pc Zachary Marsden. Marsden was the officer seen kicking and stamping in the viral footage.
The IOPC's main investigation into the use of force by Greater Manchester Police officers during the airport arrests continues. However, the watchdog has confirmed a separate criminal investigation into the alleged leak of footage.
Officer faces multiple charges
An IOPC spokesman said the Greater Manchester Police officer was recently informed they face criminal investigation over allegedly sharing footage "without any legitimate policing purpose". The investigation began following a referral from the force in September 2024 after concerns were raised about the video's source.
The officer could face charges including unlawful obtaining of personal data, misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice. The IOPC will obtain an account from the officer concerned in due course.
Editor defends publication
Manchester Evening News editor Sarah Lester defended the newspaper's decision to publish the footage in an opinion piece on Wednesday. She said the video "provided critical context" and argued that "in a democracy, the public deserves the full picture".
Lester revealed that senior figures in Manchester, including within the police, told the newspaper they were "relieved, even grateful" that the footage was published. She questioned what public interest was being served by pursuing the investigation and criticised the use of taxpayer money whilst the justice system faces backlogs.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
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