Rigby murder accused due in court

Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale accused of murdering British solider in Woolwich

A photograph of Drummer  Lee Rigby of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is pictured in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London on November 9th. Photograph: Reuters
A photograph of Drummer Lee Rigby of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is pictured in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London on November 9th. Photograph: Reuters

The two men accused of murdering British soldier Lee Rigby are due to appear in court today as they prepare to stand trial at the Old Bailey in London.

Michael Adebolajo (28) and Michael Adebowale (22) are charged with murdering the Fusilier as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks in south-east London on May 22nd.

They are also each accused of attempting to murder a police officer on the same day, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before that day.

Far-right protesters are expected to gather outside the court building this morning. The British National Party invited groups such as the English Defence League to congregate from around 9am.

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The case itself is listed for a mention hearing at 2pm.

Father-of-one Fusilier Rigby (25) from Middleton, Greater Manchester, died of multiple cut and stab wounds when he was attacked as he returned to the barracks after spending the day at the Tower of London.

Adebolajo, from Romford in Essex, has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Adebowale, from Greenwich, south-east London, has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

PA