Woolwich murder suspect; Michael Adebolajo, on Monday appeared Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he was charged for murdering Drummer Lee Rigby.
Dressed in all white with his left arm heavily bandaged, the 28 year old was in the dock flanked by two police officers and a prison guard, and asked to be called Mujahid Abu Hamza.
As he arrived in the courtroom he pointed to the ceiling and kissed a copy of the Koran he gripped throughout the 12-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
He also appeared to smile and blow a kisses to a man in the public gallery, before he was forced to stand in the dock, having initially refused.
After trying to make several interruptions, he was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey within 48 hours.
Earlier he was swept into court in an armoured vehicle led by a police convoy.
A number of armed officers formed a ring of steel in central London and shut off the roads leading to the court.
Adebolajo, of Romford, Essex, is accused of killing Lee Rigby, 25, in front of horrified onlookers in south-east London a fortnight ago.
He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm.
He was shot by police and kept in hospital for nearly ten days under armed guard.
Scotland Yard announced on Friday he had been discharged and taken into custody at a south London police station, where he was then charged.
As he left the hearing Adebolajo again smiled and 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 said: ‘May I ask why? May I ask why?’
When told it is customary to stand, he said: ‘I want to sit.’
Meanwhile the other key suspect in the case appeared at the Old Bailey today.
Michael Adebowale, 22, was remanded in custody as he appeared via video link.
He is also accused of killing the 25-year-old soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment as the soldier made his way back to Woolwich barracks shortly after 2pm on May 22.
Father-of-one Mr Rigby, from Middleton, Rochdale, Lancs, suffered multiple incised wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Adebowale, of Greenwich, is charged with the murder of Drummer Rigby and one count of possessing a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver.
Adebolajo, 28, of Romford, Essex, is charged with murder, the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm, namely a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver with intent fear of unlawful violence.
