Woolwich accused blows kiss to friend

Michael Adebolajo, 28, also pointed to the sky and asked if he could remain seated when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first hearing yesterday, where he faced a number of charges.

Adebolajo is charged with murdering 25-year-old Drummer Rigby, a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

He 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.

The incident happened near Woolwich barracks in south east London on May 22.

Adebolajo, from Romford in Essex, was referred to as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court for the 
brief hearing following his request.

Wearing a white T-shirt and white trousers, Adebolajo, flanked in the dock by two police officers and a prison guard, blew a kiss to a man in the public gallery, and they both pointed to the sky.

His left arm was fully bandaged and he held a copy of the 
Koran.

As he was asked to stand, Adebolajo did so, but asked: “May I ask why? May I ask why?”

When told it is customary to stand, he said: “I want to sit.”

After standing when asked to at the end of the short hearing, he asked Deputy Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot: “May I respond to you? You would prefer me not to speak to you.

“I am only a man. I would like to alleviate the pain if I may?”

He then kissed the Koran and raised his arm into the air.

Adebolajo was remanded in custody at the conclusion of the hearing.

The court was told he will now appear at the Old Bailey within the next 48 hours for a bail hearing.

Adebolajo had earlier arrived at the court under armed guard, in an armoured vehicle led by a police convoy.

He was charged with the four counts on Saturday, having been discharged from hospital on Friday and taken into custody immediately by police.

He was kept under armed guard in hospital, where he received 10 days of treatment after being shot by police before his arrest.

The man he had gestured to 
in the public gallery would not speak to journalists when approached outside court afterwards.

Adebolajo’s co-accused Michael Adebowale, 22, appeared at the Old Bailey later yesterday via video link.

This was his second appearance in court, having first appeared at the court in Westminster last week.

He is also accused of murdering Drummer Rigby, who was making his way back to Woolwich barracks shortly after 2pm on May 22.

He is also charged with the same offences of possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver, with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

Adebowale, from Greenwich, south east London, was also shot by police who responded to the incident in May.

No application for bail was made by solicitors during his brief hearing.

The judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, told the court the defendant would reappear for a preliminary hearing on June 28.

His case is expected to be joined up with that of Adebolajo at the next hearing.

The soldier was a father-of-
one from Middleton, Rochdale, Lancs.