Second suspect in UK soldier murder appears in court

LONDON (REUTERS) - The second of two men charged with the murder of a British soldier on a busy London street last month appeared in court for the first time on Monday.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, who was shot by police during his arrest, had his left arm in plaster and asked to remain seated during the five minute hearing.

The British-born son of Nigerian parents was charged with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, a 25-year-old who served in Afghanistan, and was remanded in custody until the next hearing at the Central Criminal Court on June 28.

Clutching what appeared to be a Koran in his right hand, Adebolajo blew kisses at a man in the public gallery.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and faced a further charge of possession of a firearm with intent.

Adebolajo was arrested near the Woolwich army barracks in southeast London after Rigby was killed in broad daylight on May 22.

The other suspect in the murder, Michael Adebowale, 22, was due to appear by videolink later on Monday for a bail hearing after being remanded by Westminster magistrates last Thursday.

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