27/02/2014

Life Without Parole For Lee Rigby Murder 'Mastermind'

Michael Adebolajo has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for being the "mastermind" of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

His co-defendant, Michael Adebowale, was jailed for a minimum sentence of 45 years for the same attack in May 2013.

The sentencing of the two men had been deferred until after a Court of Appeal ruling on the use of whole-life terms. Mr Justice Sweeney said it was one of the "rare cases" that warranted use of the tariff.

According to reports, Adebolajo, 29, and Adebowale, 22, were not in the dock for sentencing following a scuffle with security guards.

It is understood that the two men had to be forced to the ground before being removed from the court room. The judge continued with sentencing in their absence.

Fusilier Rigby (25), from Middleton, Greater Manchester, was attacked by the two men as he returned to his barracks in Woolwich on 22 May, 2013.

The two men drove into Fusilier Rigby before dragging him into the road and attacking him with a knife and a meat cleaver.

While Adebolajo and Adebowale stood over the body with their weapons after the attack, a number of women tried to comfort Fusilier Rigby. Commenting on this, Judge Sweeney told the men: "Your sickening and pitiful conduct was in stark contrast to the women at the scene who tended to Lee Rigby's body and challenged what you had done."

(MH/JP)

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25 November 2014
Lee Rigby Murder Could Not Have Been Prevented - ICS Report
A parliamentary inquiry has found that the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby could not have been prevented, despite intelligence on the two men who killed the 25-year-old.
29 July 2014
Judge Rejects Rigby Killers Appeal
A Judge has refused Michael Adebolajo, one of the men jailed for the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, the right to appeal, the Judicial Office has reported. Adebolajo was sentenced to whole-life term last year for the murder of Fusilier Rigby. It is understood that his case will be hear by a panel of judges from the Court Of Appeal.
17 December 2013
Murder Conspiracy Charged Dropped Against Rigby Accused
Charges of conspiracy to murder a police have been dropped against the two men standing trial for the killing of soldier Lee Rigby. 29-year-old Michael Adebolajo and 22-year-old Michael Adebowale still face counts of murdering Fusilier Rigby and attempted murder of a police officer.
30 May 2013
Man Charged With Murder Of Lee Rigby
A man has been charged over the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, Metropolitan Police has confirmed. Michael Adebowale, 22, was charged following his release from hospital after authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Drummer Rigby was hit by a car before being hacked to death in a street attack in Woolwich last week.
04 July 2013
Drummer Lee Rigby To Be Given Military Funeral On July 12
Drummer Lee Rigby will receive a military funeral at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester on July 12. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers soldier was murdered as he made his way back to his barracks in Woolwich in south-east London in May. An MoD spokesman has said the Drummer Rigby's service will be private but shall be broadcast over a PA system.