Woolwich Attack Accused Michael Adebolajo In Bizarre Outburst At Bail Hearing

'I'm A Man, I'm A Soldier, I'm A British Citizen'
Michael Adebolajo appeared on video link for the hearing
Michael Adebolajo appeared on video link for the hearing
Getty Images

One of the men accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby has told the Old Bailey: "I'm a man, I'm a soldier, I'm a British citizen."

Appearing via videolink on Wednesday, Michael Adebolajo, 28, interrupted proceedings on several occasions during the bail hearing, telling judge Mr Justice Sweeney: "It's not about you.

"This whole trial is about more than that. It's not about me, even though I played a major part in proceedings.

"Really and truly it's about the good, honest, decent, hardworking British members of society, whether they be Muslim or non-Muslim.

"They are the ones that have suffered the most..."

Adebolajo, whose left arm was in a plaster cast after the incident outside Woolwich barracks in south east London on 22 May, went on: "It's possible throughout life that people may sometimes smother you and say things about you that are false.

"But as a regular citizen and human being, we have to get over it.

"I believe that the British people are decent. From my experience growing up in my country, only a fraction will wish to slander and lie against me. But the rest would prefer to know the truth, even if the truth came back to bite me on the buttock."

Adebolajo, who is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm - a 9.4mm KNIL model 91 revolver - with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used, was reprimanded by the judge for interrupting several times and eventually the videolink was switched off.

The defendant was listed as Mujaahid Abu Hamza AKA Adebolajo by the court, after asking to be referred to by the name when he appeared before magistrates on Monday, and was addressed as Mr Hamza at the latest hearing.

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