Suspect appears in court over Woolwich murder

Twenty two year old Michael Adebowale has appeared in Westminster Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of Drummer Rigby and possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver, in Woolwich on 22^nd May.

Mr Adebowale has been remanded in custody and will appear in court again on Monday 3^rd June. He has been charged after spending six days in hospital being treated for gun-shot wounds following police officials shooting at him after the Woolwich attack.

As a result of his injuries, Mr Adebowale was reportedly told by Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle that he was not required to stand in court due to these injuries and was reported to have been limping and holding his right hand close to his body as he approached his position in the glass dock. He arrived at the court flanked by security in an escorted police van.

Specialist Prosecutor Bethan David with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) explained to the court that the charges would fall under the jurisdiction of terrorism legislation.

The second murder suspect, Michael Adebolajo, remains under arrest and is still currently being treated in hospital after police shot him during his arrest.

Both Mr Adebowale and Mr Adebolajo caused a huge amount of shock and fear when they were filmed and photographed attacking Drummer Rigby on a busy street in Woolwich.

A post mortem examination on Wednesday disclosed the cause of Drummer Rigby’s death to be “multiple incised wounds”. A formal inquest into his death will be held on Friday at Southark Coroner’s court.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the murder investigation, six of whom have been bailed and two of whom have been released without charge.      

Molly Kersey