Business Standard

UK soldier killer loses appeal over his life sentence

Image

Press Trust of India London
One of two Islamic fanatics found guilty of murdering a British soldier on the streets of London last year today lost a legal challenge against his life-term sentence.

Michael Adebalajo had been seeking leave to appeal against his whole-life sentence for killing Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Adebalajo and Michael Adebowale killed Rigby outside Woolwich barracks in south-east London in May 2013.

Adebowale is also arguing for a reduction in his sentence. He was jailed for a minimum of 45 years.

Last month, a report found Rigby's death could not have been prevented despite his killers appearing in seven intelligence investigations.

The report, by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), revealed Adebowale had expressed his intent to murder a soldier in a "graphic and emotive" manner during an exchange with an overseas extremist in December 2012.
 

The intelligence agencies did not know about this exchange, understood to have been on Facebook, until after Rigby's death.

Adebolajo and Adebowale drove into the 25-year-old before hacking him to death.

At the time of his sentencing, Justice Sweeney said Adebolajo's was one of those "rare cases" that warranted a whole-life term.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Dec 03 2014 | 6:56 PM IST

Explore News