Long before the trial concluded for two Muslim brothers accused of assaulting police at Manchester Airport two years ago, many in Britain's political and media classes had already made up their minds.
The viral clips were viewed millions of times. Television pundits denounced the defendants as "thugs" and "hooligans". Politicians weighed in. Social media erupted with demands for punishment.
The two brothers at the centre of the case ceased to be defendants entitled to a fair hearing. They became symbols in a wider culture war.
That is precisely why the ultimate verdicts matter far beyond the Manchester Airport case itself.
After hearing weeks of evidence, including bodycam footage, witness testimony and legal arguments unavailable to those consuming carefully edited clips online, jurors reached a nuanced conclusion.
