UK Soldier's Killers Scream, Fight at Sentencing

Michael Adebolajo gets life in prison, Michael Adebowale gets 45 years to life
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 26, 2014 11:51 AM CST
UK Soldier's Killers Scream, Fight at Sentencing
The two men accused of murdering Lee Rigby, Michael Adebolajo (left), and Michael Adebowale, are depicted during their trial at the Old Bailey in London, in this Nov. 29, 2013 court artist sketch.   (AP Photo/PA, Elizabeth Cook)

Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale—the men who slashed British solider Lee Rigby to death in the streets of London—were sentenced today, and they made it a memorable hearing. Before the judge could hand down his sentence, Adebolajo shouted, "Allahu Akbar!" at the judge and he and his co-defendant began fighting the guards, Sky News reports. Several guards soon pinned the two, restrained them, and returned them to jail cells downstairs, but their screams could still be heard from below. Adebowale reportedly shouted, "You and America will never be safe!"

Some of Rigby's relatives cried, and the judge apologized that they'd had to witness the outburst. He then continued the sentencing without the pair, giving both life sentences. Adebolajo got a "whole life tariff" (meaning life without parole), but Adebowale will be eligible for parole in 45 years, the Telegraph reports. The judge described the murder as a "barbaric" act and a "betrayal of Islam." Adebolajo in particular, he noted, had slashed at Rigby's neck repeatedly "in an attempt to decapitate him for maximum horrific effect." (More Lee Rigby stories.)

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