Lee Rigby killers found guilty

Drummer Lee Rigby

Michael Adebowale, 22 from Greenwich, South East London and Michael Adebolajo, 28 from Romford in Essex have been found guilty of killing Middleton soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

The pair have been found not guilty of attempting to kill a police officer.

The Old Bailey jury of eight women and four men took approximately 90 minutes to reach its verdicts.

Mr Justice Sweeney ordered that the verdicts be heard in silence. He said he would pass sentence after a key appeal court ruling on the use of whole life terms in January.

He expressed his "gratitude and admiration" for the soldier's family, saying they had "sat in court with great dignity throughout what must have been the most harrowing of evidence".

Relatives of Fusilier Rigby broke down in tears as the verdicts were given.

His wife said the family was satisfied that justice had been done, adding: "This has been the toughest time of our lives. No-one should have to go through what we have been through as a family."

Rebecca Rigby said: "These people have taken away my baby's dad but Lee's memory lives on through our son and we will never forget him.

"I now want to build a future for Jack and make him proud of his dad like we all are."

Lee's mother Lyn Rigby said: "I wouldn't wish anybody to go through the same pain of what they put Lee through, what they put the family through."

"I don't think they should be able to come out and walk the streets again."

Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council has issued a statement following the verdict at the trial of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

Councillor Lambert said: “On behalf of the Borough of Rochdale, our thoughts today are with Lee’s family. Today justice has been served, although it will never compensate them for their loss.

"We thank the community for their support and ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?type=News&searchtype=Phrase&Criteria=Lee+Rigby