Lee Rigby Murderers Fight With Guards In Court

The two men who murdered soldier Lee Rigby fought with guards in the dock ahead of their sentencing at the Old Bailey.

Michael Adebolajo shouted "Allahu- Akbar" at the judge, and Adebolajo and co-killer Michael Adebowale were both restrained and pinned down by several guards.

The pair were taken back down to the cells and Adebolajo could be heard screaming from downstairs.

Some members of Fusilier Rigby's family were shocked and crying at having to witness the violent outburst in the dock.

Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered last May

The judge then continued his sentencing in their absence and within minutes they had both been sentenced, with Adebowale given a minimum of 45 years and Adebolajo told he would serve a whole-life term.

The pair ran Fusilier Rigby down before hacking him to death in Woolwich last year.

In sentencing, Mr Justice Sweeney said the pair "butchered" Mr Rigby. He said Adebolajo concentrated on his neck, while Abdebowale concentrated on his torso.

He described the killing of Fusilier Rigby as a bloodbath and described how they wanted to become "martyrs" and gain a place in paradise.

The pair were convicted of the murder in December, but the judge delayed sentencing until after a key appeal court ruling last month that whole-life tariffs can be used by UK judges.

An EDL supporter stands next to a replica hangman's noose outside the court

Earlier, as the sentencing hearing began, Adebolajo refused to stand as his name was read out and Adebowale stood to confirm his name.

Victim impact statements were read out to the court, including one from Fusilier Rigby's widow, Rebecca Rigby.

"I was also suddenly living in the public gaze," she said.

"I couldn't go anywhere or do anything. I felt like I didn't want to go on. I saw people nudging and looking at me if i walked down the street.

"I know my son will grow up and see images of his dad that no son should have to endure and there's nothing I can do to change this."

Adebolajo's barrister, David Gottlieb, told the court: "However shocking and terrifying a crime, a whole-life term can never be justified when the full circumstances of the offence known at the time ... show that the offender is not so deprived of all human dignity that he has no possibility of atonement in the future."

He compared Adebolajo's extremist views to "alcoholism" or a severe "psychiatric" illness.

"Whatever his expressed views or wishes, he's not somebody who's incapable of change," he added.

Abbas Lakha, Adebowale's defence barrister, said his client's psychiatric condition should be taken into account in his sentencing.

He argued Adebowale played a "lesser role" in the killing and that he was a passenger in the car - which he said he did not know was going to be driven at Fusilier Rigby.

Heated protests took place outside the court, with one group heard chanting: "There's only one Lee Rigby."

Supporters of the British National Party and the English Defence League gathered around gallows that had been built nearby as many held placards which read: "Restore capital punishment".

Cheers were heard outside when the sentences were announced.

:: Watch live coverage and reaction from the Old Bailey on Sky News, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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