Two Muslim converts found guilty of brutally murdering British soldier Lee Rigby in broad daylight in a London street have been sentenced today.
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were found guilty on 19th December 2013 of killing 25-year-old soldier Lee Rigby, who had served a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Adebolajo, 28, was sentenced to a whole life tariff.
Adebowale, 22, was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
The pair were said to be shouting in the court room earlier, screaming “Allah hu Akbar” before they were removed by guards.
Judge Nigel Sweeney delayed sentencing in order to take account of a Court of Appeal ruling on the principle of jail terms for life.
Justice Sweeney said during the sentencing, “You have both gloried in what you have done.” He also stated that the two “butchered” Lee Rigby: “You, Adebolajo, concentrated on his neck. You, Adebowale, concentrated on his torso. What the two of you did resulted in a bloodbath”.
Rigby died from multiple cut and stab wounds when he was attacked as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks in southeast London on May 22.
Five judges last week found that jail terms for life were “entirely compatible” with the European human rights convention.
AFP contributed to this report
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