Michael Adebowale Bandaged And Limping As Lee Rigby Woolwich Attack Reaches Court

Bandaged And Limping, Woolwich Suspect Appears In Court

Injured Michael Adebowale, the man accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby, limped into court on Thursday and was allowed to remain seated in the dock during his short first hearing.

Amid tight security, handcuffed but calm Adebowale, 22, who appeared to have a bandaged hand, was flanked by two police officers and two security guards as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Wearing a grey sweater and white trousers, Adebowale was told that he did not need to stand up in the dock because he was injured after being shot by police.

Michael Adebowale appeared to limp into court

He is accused of murdering Drummer Rigby on May 22, 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.

Streets outside the court in central London were lined with uniformed police and armed police vans as the dark blue Mercedes vehicle carrying Adebowale arrived.

Michael Adebowale was pictured at the scene shortly before being shot by police

In court 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 3.

Adebowale, limped as he approached his position in the glass dock, held his right hand close to his body. He has spent the last six days in hospital after been shot by police following the Woolwich attack on 22 May.

A second man, Michael Adebolajo, remains under arrest in hospital. Like Mr Adebowale, 28-year-old Mr Adebolajo was shot by armed police at the time he was arrested.

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, 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 post-mortem examination found that the solider's cause of death was multiple cut and stab wounds. An inquest will be formally opened tomorrow.

Dozens of journalists including camera crews lined a side street near the court building to see Adebowale being driven away. Two patrol cars sealed off the road as he was taken away in a blue armoured van.

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