Man in court over murder of soldier in Woolwich

A man accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby has appeared in court amid tight security.

Michael Adebowale (22), from Greenwich, south east London, was flanked by two police officers and two security guards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning.

He is accused of murdering Drummer Rigby on May 22nd, as well as possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver, with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

Mr Adebowale, wearing a grey sweater and white trousers, was told that he did not need to stand up in the dock because he was injured after being shot by police. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on June 3rd.

Mr Adebowale, who limped as he approached his position in the glass dock, held his right hand close to his body.

Chief magistrate Howard Riddle told the defendant he was not required to stand due to his injuries.

Asked to confirm his name, address and date of birth, Mr Adebowale calmly replied: “Yes.”

Bethan David, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) counter-terrorism division, told the court the charges fell under the jurisdiction of terrorism legislation.

Drummer Rigby (25), was murdered near Woolwich barracks in south east London last week. A postmortem examination found that the solider’s cause of death was multiple cut and stab wounds. An inquest will be formally opened tomorrow.

Two patrol cars sealed off the road as the accused was taken away in a blue armoured van.

PA