Lee Rigby’s dad may sue killer

Photo: Darren Robinson

Phil McClure

Fusilier Lee Rigby’s dad, Phil McClure, is considering suing one of his son’s killers who has demanded compensation.

Mr McClure, 55, said it was “absolutely scandalous” that Michael Adebolajo was taking legal action after two of his teeth were knocked out in prison. Adebolajo was reportedly lashing out at five prison officers who were escorting him from his cell in 2013. A recent investigation cleared the officers of any blame.

The size of Adebolajo’s claim is not known but similar cases have topped £20,000.

Mr McClure, an HGV driver, only found out about the lawsuit when it was mentioned on a radio news bulletin. He told one newspaper he was going to speak to a solicitor to see if he had a case for suing the killer.

Mr McClure later added: “It’s absolutely scandalous how he can sue the government. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. He shouldn’t be allowed to even think about suing. The prison officers were only doing their job.

“When I found out I thought, if he can sue then surely I can sue him from stress and give the money to a good cause like Help for Heroes. My family has been through enough stress. I have been through stress — I had a heart attack.”

Adebolajo, 32, and his accomplice Michael Adebowale, 24, murdered 25-year-old Fusilier Rigby, from Middleton, near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London, in May, 2013. They were jailed for life.