Rigby murder trial due to start at end of week

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, are expected to stand trial at the Old Bailey following the conclusion of legal submissions.

They are charged with murdering the Fusilier as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks in south-east London on May 22.

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.

Adebolajo, wearing a black shirt, and Adebowale, in a blue tracksuit top and a green fleece jacket, appeared in the dock in oak-panelled Court two.

The pair were separated by security guards.

Mr Justice Sweeney told the court the trial was expected to start on Friday.

Father-of-one Fusilier Rigby, 25, from Middleton but with links to the Halifax area, died from multiple cut and stab wounds after being attacked in the streets of London.

He was returning 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.

Meanwhile Adebowale, from the Greenwich area of south-east London, has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

The case was adjourned until Thursday.