30/05/2013

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.

Adebowale is charged with the murder of the soldier as well as the possession of a firearm, understood to be a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver.

He arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.

Adebowale was injured when he and his alleged co-accomplice Michael Adebolajo, 28, were shot by officers at the scene of the attack. Mr Adebolajo remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Sue Hemming, Head of the CPS' Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: "This man is now charged with serious criminal offences and he has the right to a fair trial

"It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial."

The CPS is continuing to advise police in relation to several other suspects arrested during the investigation into Drummer Rigby's death.

(JP/CD)

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